A Public Right of Way is a route over which the public have the legal right to pass. However, the status of the route does not guarantee that it will be accessible to everyone who can legally use it due to factors such as surface material, gradient, or structures such as stiles and gates. Public Rights of Way can exist on both private and public land. In Newcastle they are made up of three categories:
Public Rights of Way are public highway recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement and are mostly, but not exclusively, rural routes through the countryside and urban fringe. Public Rights of Way are different to Adopted Highways, which are publicly maintained roads and pavements which have a higher maintenance standard than a Public Right of Way. Our responsibilities for both Public Rights of Way and Adopted Highways include tasks such as repairs, safety, inspection, and general maintenance.
Landowners, and us, have a shared responsibility to maintain Public Rights of Ways, so they are open, accessible, and safe for use.
We are responsible for protecting the rights to use Public Rights of Way and this includes dealing with obstructions. Our responsibility also includes removing natural surface growth, maintaining public bridges, providing signs at the start of paths, and way markers along the route.
Landowners and managers also have responsibilities. This includes ensuring stiles and gates are safe, and maintaining trees, hedges, and fences next to paths. Landowners and farmers must also manage any livestock to ensure the public are safe, and paths are kept free of arable crops.
Users also have a responsibility when using these routes. Users should follow the Countryside Code and take care not to cause disturbance or damage to private property including fences, crops, and livestock. Dogs can be taken on Public Rights of Way but must be kept under close control especially when around livestock, and you must pick up and dispose of dog waste.
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