Through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) the
Government recognises the value of PRoW and requires each
Highways Authority to produce a Rights of Way Improvement
Plan
(ROWIP) in order to identify changes that will ‘improve provision
for
walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those with mobility
problems.’
In order to develop a ROWIP Highways Authorities are required to
assess:
• The extent to which local rights of way meet present and
future
needs of the public.
• The opportunities provided by local rights of way and in
particular by
footpaths, cycle-tracks, bridleways and restricted byways for
exercise
and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of their
area.
• The accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially
sighted
persons and others with mobility problems.
A ROWIP Assessment was undertaken following widespread
consultation and includes information on the extent, condition and
use
of the PRoW network. The Assessment highlighted the key role
that
PRoW play in maintaining and improving quality of life in the
county
and the links to issues such as sustainable transport, local
economy,
recreation, tourism and health.
This ROWIP consists of a summary of the Assessment as well as
a
Statement of Action. The Statement of Action sets out how
Suffolk
County Council will work with others to address the demands
identified in the Assessment to secure an improved network. This
plan
will be integrated into the county Local Transport Plan, 2006 –
11,
where the actions will contribute to its four shared priorities
of
congestion, accessibility, air quality and safety. The ROWIP will
be
supported by detailed work programmes, which will be used in
working with others and to bid for resources, especially through
the
Local Transport Plan.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PDF, 725kb)
If you have any comments on this plan please write to:
Countryside Access (ROWIP)
Suffolk County Council
Endeavour House
8 Russell Road
Ipswich
Suffolk IP1 2BX
or e-mail:
catherine.osborne@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk