Local
Access Forums perform a statutory function and all section 94(4) bodies are required under
section 94(5) of the CROW Act 2000 to ‘have regard in
carrying out their functions to any relevant advice given to
them’ by a Forum. Reflecting the directives givento forums,
the North Yorkshire LAF has drawn up a set of principles which
underpins their work and advice.
· Any
new access should be at the highest rights
practicable
· All
rights of way should be maintained to the standard required and,
where needed, upgraded physically and legally to a higher
standard
· The
Forum will work to see rights of way developed to redressthe
fragmentation of the
network, connect communities andimprove links to places of
demand
· The
Forum will work to developmore access opportunities to include the
widest possible range of users, especially
families, children,
minority groups and the less able
· The
Forum seeks the establishment of an annual budget to fundthe fulfilling
of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)
· Whilst the creation of all access is welcome, the Forum stresses
that permissive (temporary) accessdoes not equate with the public
benefit of definitive (permanent) access
· The
Forum wishes to raise awareness of how different users can enjoy
responsible sharing of routeswhere appropriate, whilst
supporting challenges
to illegal use
· The
Forum recognisesthe establishment and challenges of new initiatives
such as coastal access, access towater, access to woodland and the
dedication of land for public access
The
above may be summarised simply as:
The
Forum seeks to maximise every opportunity for improved access,
providing safer non-motorised journeys for the widest range of
users practicable.
The Forum
welcomes consultation from all section 94(4) bodies or others who
feel they might benefit from discussion with them. For further information please
contact the chair through
the Secretary to the
Forum – Dawn Drury, at North Yorkshire Council either by
email: dawn.drury@northyorks.gov.uk or
telephone on 01757 292065.
