4X4 owners come unstuck after public footpath ban

08 May 2008

A Court of Appeal ruling in Hampshire could result in the banning of ‘mechanically-propelled vehicles’ such as 4X4s and motorbikes from public footpaths across the country.

The test case between Hampshire County Council and Winchester College is suspected to have ramifications across rural Britain.

The council had wanted to allow 4X4 owners and a local motorbike club access to a footpath on land belonging to the college and another landowner, under a supposed exemption to the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

he right of way was originally designated as a ‘road used as a public path’, but in March 2006, following applications made on behalf of the Trail Riders Fellowship, the council resolved to modify its status to a ‘byway open to all traffic’, in line with a bridleway which continues the route.

They were originally supported by the High Court, but Appeal Court judges overturned the decision.

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4X4 owners come unstuck after public footpath ban

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