Written questions

Rights of Way: Access

Lords · Question HL11375 · Tabled 27 Oct 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 4 Nov 2025

Question

Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market

To ask His Majesty's Government, following reporting from the BBC in January 2024 that investigators had found 32,000 blockages on public rights of way, whether they will take action to remove obstructions preventing the public from using such ways.

Answer

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock, 4 Nov 2025

Local highway authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of public rights of way, including ensuring that they are free from obstructions and available for public use. They have statutory duties to assert and protect the public’s right...