Essex County Council's responsibilities and duties in respect to Public Rights of Way

To keep the public rights of way network open for use, the County Council undertakes to:

• Put signposts where paths leave a road
• Waymark routes where they may be unclear
• Install and repair bridges over waterways
• Cut and clear vegetation on routes (except cross field paths where the landowner has a responsibility)
• Repair surfaces
• Maintain drainage as appropriate
• Work with landowners who must reinstate their cross field paths and keep them clear of crops
• Work with landowners who maintain approved stiles and gates to safe standards
• Take enforcement action against landowners/occupiers who repeatedly fail to carry out their obligations in respect to public rights of way.

Please note, the Public Rights of Way Maintenance Policy has been withdrawn from the website as it is out of date and was based on the old Countryside Commissions' 'Milestones Policy'.  Since that time there have been changes to legislation including implementation of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2000 and therefore new priorities and documents will be implemented.

We welcome comments on the first document, which is the draft ROWIP.  This document is open for public consultation until 31st January 2008.