restricted byway?

hey guys
maybe you can help.
i am a little confused...what is a restricted byway...and are we allowed to drive on them?
bex and tom

metallicachick86 said:

hey guys
maybe you can help.
i am a little confused...what is a restricted byway...and are we allowed to drive on them?
bex and tom

Click to expand...

I think not:

Ramblers Association - Footpaths - Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Restricted Byways were what used to be called 'RUPPs' - Road Used as Public Path, but this was an ambiguous name and never clear about whether vehicles were allowed. So the guvmint turned them all to 'Restricted Byways', and stopped motorised vehicles unless they were later reclassified as BOATs (Byway Open to All Traffic). But now it seems there can be no more reclassification. If its on a definitive map as a Restricted Byway the only way to legally get your Landy up there is to have it pulled by horse or mountain bikers (or stick your feet through the floor and push, Flintstone-style).

I am not a lawyer...

You cant drive em and if caught on one its a 60 pound fine at least, poss confiscation of vehicled and prosecution...happening a lot in Berkshire at moment with idiots who dont give a toss and are driving restricted Byways causing major friction the genuine off roaders around here. At least you've had the good sense to ask first...good on ya


Cheers Steve

Yip, the only things we have left are Byways (or BOATS). They are marked either ++++++++++++++ or +++++++++++++ depending on whether you're using Landranger or Explorer scale maps.

You may find some lanes marked 'Right of way'. You can usually drive them. They are often private byways which have a vehicular right of way across them. As they are privately owned the Local Authority does not maintain them & the owner will often let them fall into disrepair to stop them from being used.

If you do use them, be respectful. That said there isn't many about.

Always worth reading: Green Lane Association Ltd. - Home for good advice and a code of conduct worth sticking to.

Bear in mind too when you are on a byway, often referred to as a greenlane you are on a road, not offroading. I'm not being pernickity, but it's a road & has the same laws governing it as any other road. The only time you are offroading is when on private land such as a pay & play site.