Public rights of way and definitive maps

Public rights of way

Public rights of way (PROW) are highways that allow the public a legal right of passage. They have the same status and protection in law as highways and remain in existence until legally closed, diverted or extinguished. See Practice Note: Public rights of way.

It is a criminal offence to obstruct a PROW. See Practice Note: Local authority powers to manage highway obstructions—criminal offences.

Early identification of PROW can help to avoid potential delays to development or difficulties in selling properties. Local authorities are under a legal duty to keep all PROW available to the public and can take enforcement action and instigate prosecutions to ensure that PROW remain open.

Types of PROW

The common types of PROW are:

•
footpath—for use on foot and mobility vehicles (eg pushchairs and wheelchairs) only
•
bridleway—for use on foot, horse and cycle
•
byway open to all traffic (BOAT)—for use on foot, horse, cycle, motorised and non-motorised vehicles
•
restricted byway—for use on foot, horse, cycle and for vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles

Public rights of access

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