Review of Warwickshire County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Warwickshire County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) is an important strategic policy document, which the council is required by law to have in place. It sets out how Warwickshire County Council can make sure the public rights of way network meets the needs of the public, now and in the future. More information on ROWIPs can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/localauthority-
rights-of-way-improvement-plans

A public right of way is a public highway and is part of, and connects with, the wider highway network. Although they are mainly in the countryside, there are public rights of way in towns and villages too. There are four types of public right of way:
 Public footpaths – a public right of way only for pedestrians (including dog walkers, users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and people with buggies);
 Public bridleways – As per public footpaths, and in addition can be used horse riders and cyclists;
 Restricted byways – As per public footpaths and bridleways, and in addition can be used by horse-drawn carriage drivers;
 Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) – a public right of way for all users, including motor vehicles.

The process of carrying out a new assessment and review of Warwickshire’s ROWIP is beginning.

The process of reviewing the ROWIP, and the engagement being carried out before a new ROWIP is drafted, will help Warwickshire County Council to better understand the needs of Warwickshire County residents. The ROWIP aims to address the priorities of the area in terms of health and wellbeing, supporting people living with disabilities and mental health issues, regeneration, growth, transport, climate change, tourism and other priorities. The feedback will help to develop the priorities and actions of the new Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which will be produced later in 2024.

Warwickshire County Council are inviting all members of the public to complete their survey and provide input into the review.  You can do so by following this link – https://ask.warwickshire.gov.uk/insights-service/warwickshire-rowip/

The questionnaire closes on 10 March 2024.