04/01 - Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

DETR 04/2001 (5 Feb 2001)

This circular provides guidance on those provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act which came into force variously on 30 November 2000, 30 January 2001 and 1 April 2001.

It also gives brief details of other provisions in the Act which affect local authorities and on which more detailed guidance was expected in due course.

Part I of the Act introduces a new right of access for open-air recreation to mountain, moor, heath and down (collectively described as 'open country') and to registered common land. It describes restrictions to the general right of access and the functions of the 'access authorities'.

Part II changes the law on rights of way, and covers restricted byways, public path creation orders, stopping up and diverting highways, wilful obstruction of a highway and vegetation overhanging bridleways.

Also discussed are traffic regulation orders for the purpose of conserving natural beauty, unauthorised driving of mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on a road and vehicular access over common land.

Part III deals with nature conservation and wildlife protection and Part IV areas of outstanding natural beauty. A final section of miscellaneous matters includes coverage of local access forums, management agreements, and town and village greens.

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