Information, policies and practices relating to Public Rights of Way. - Find a freedom of information request

Please could you provide policies and practices that have been agreed on in reference to the management and maintenance of public rights of way and definitive map, in response to the questions below:

1) What are your policies and practices regarding the maintenance and improvement of each of the following class of public right of way where they also carry private vehicular rights?

a) Footpaths

b) Bridleways

c) Restricted Byeways

d) Byways Open To All Traffic

2) When faced with agricultural obstruction of public rights of way what is your policy or practice for direct action, or do you move straight to prosecution?

3) What criteria do you consider when determining a temporary traffic order (TTRO) application relating to any public right of way?

4) What practical guidance, if any, do you give to applicants about the timing of physical closure of public rights of way within any granted temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) period?

5) For newly recorded public rights of way, what are your minimum acceptable widths/preferred widths for each of the following:

a) Public Footpath

b) Bridleway

c) Restricted Byway

6) What policies/practices do you have relating to equestrian provision in the design and delivery of new Active Travel infrastructure? Please provide links.

1) Maintenance and improvement projects are undertaken on a case-by-case approach, and in line with the legislation. Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) would not maintain public rights of ways in order to cater for private vehicular rights. Any improvements would be on a case by case basis taking into account the public use and benefit and ensuring that classes of user are not disadvantaged by any works.

2) LCC’s Enforcement Policy can be accessed here: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/61706/rights-of-way-enforcement

3) The criteria to be considered is laid down in Section 14 and Section 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

4) LCC advise that the maximum term is 6 months for Orders under Section 14 for footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways, however it should be opened as soon as practicable once works have been completed. Orders under Section 16A have a defined time frame based on the nature of the event that it facilitates.

5) In answer to the clarified question, this is variable as it is a case-by-case basis but in general LCC would usually state a minimum of 2 metres as guidance.

6) LCC ensure that any improvements to be undertaken for the delivery of Active Travel infrastructure takes into account equestrian use so as not to have a detrimental impact, in line with the guidance from the British Horse Society and LTN 1/20.