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
nowunderpin 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
abovemay be summarised simply as:
The Forum seeks to maximise everyopportunityfor 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 - Melanie Carr, at
North Yorkshire County Council either by telephone on 01609 533849
or by email at: Melnaie.carr1@northyorks.gov.uk