Public rights of way - the essential facts

 

All routes which are public rights of way should be shown on the Definitive Map produced by the relevant highway authority. In Suffolk this is the County Council  - see `What to do about a problem'.

 

Walkers may use all kinds of right of way. The categories are :-

 

Footpaths, bridleways - usable by riders and cyclists - or public vehicular  routes known as byways open to all traffic (BOATs). Some have been known as `Roads used as public paths ( RUPPs),  but this term will soon be obsolete and a new category known as a `restricted byway' is being introduced. These will be usable by non-motorised vehicles as well as by those who are entitled to use bridleways.

 

All routes shown  on definitive maps should also be marked on Ordnance Survey 1 : 25,000 maps e.g.  the Explorer series and 1 : 50,000 ones.  Be warned, however, that they can be several years out of date and not necessarily 100 % accurate. See also 'What if it's not on the map?'

 

Where can you see definitive maps? Copies are kept in the County Council's head office in Ipswich and the three Area Offices - see `What to do about a problem'. They should also be available for inspection – for its own area only - in the office of the local district council.