The new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will restore and protect the historic Sewstern Lane and The Drift, preserving the area's heritage and improving accessibility for non-motorised users.
Members of Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee voted unanimously in favour of the new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) during their meeting on Monday 2 September.
This new TRO will restrict motor vehicle access on four key sections of Sewstern Lane and The Drift.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “I’m incredibly pleased that the Planning and Regulation Committee voted to implement this new TRO, which will prevent further damage and restore the amenity value of this beloved public highway.
“Sewstern Lane and The Drift, which are part of an ancient Drove Road linking Long Bennington and Sewstern in Leicestershire, have long served as vital recreational areas for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and local communities.
“As key parts of the Viking Way long-distance walking route, these unsurfaced public highways are of both cultural and environmental importance. However, recent years have seen significant surface deterioration due to heavy recreational motor vehicle use, particularly by 4x4s and motorcycles.
“The resulting ruts – some up to a metre deep – have rendered sections of these roads impassable for pedestrians and other non-motorised users, especially during the wet winter months.
“By restricting motor vehicle access, we hope to see similar results to what came following the introduction of a similar TRO we implemented to protect the King Lud’s Entrenchment Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located near Saltby Airfield in 2014. Here, surface damage caused by motor vehicles was successfully reversed, and the area’s biodiversity began to regenerate over time.”
The benefits of the new TRO for Sewstern Lane and The Drift will include:
- Restoration of Historic Paths: The TRO will protect the ancient Drove Road from further degradation by motor vehicles, allowing for full refurbishment and ensuring it remains a valuable recreational asset for the community.
- Enhanced Accessibility: By restricting motor vehicles, the TRO will make Sewstern Lane and The Drift more accessible to walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and other non-motorised users throughout the year.
- Environmental Protection: The reduction in vehicular use will help to restore and protect the area's diverse ecosystems, preserving important local wildlife and preventing further habitat destruction.
A range of options to address the issue of damage caused by motor vehicles were considered, including a seasonal TRO or refurbishing the public highway. However, these were discounted as unsustainable as continued damage to the highway surface would result would persist.
Please note that access for essential maintenance, agricultural and emergency vehicles will be maintained.
Cllr Ian Fleetwood, chairman of the Planning and Regulation Committee, said: "This is a major win for the local community, the environment, and future generations who will benefit from the preservation of Sewstern Lane and The Drift.
“This decision, which has been supported by local residents, walking groups, and environmental organisations, will allow for an extensive refurbishment to the area and help ensure the long-term sustainability of these historic paths.
“Some of the expressions of support from residents in the surrounding area cited concerns over surface damage, noise, and the destruction of local flora and fauna, while others emphasised the importance of preserving the tranquillity and natural beauty of these routes – which we intend to do.”