PATHS AND TRACKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 11

PATHS AND TRACKS

A BRITISH SURVEY

A survey of footpaths, bridle tracks, and other rights of way, is going on all over England and Wales. It is being undertaken by county and district councils with the help of parish councils and landowners as a result of the Rights of Way Act which came into operation on January 1, 1934, says a London paper.

That Act simplified the law relating to the proof or disproof of disputed highways. It also made it advisable for local authorities to have a complete record of the rights of way in their districts.

How great is the task of mapping all footpaths and bridle tracks over which there is a proved right of way may be judged from the fact that there are as many thousands of miles of public footpaths as of roads in the country. The survey is, therefore, not likely to be finished for another two years, but those who prefer footpaths to main roads can 'make sure of the rights of way in their favourite countryside by studying the maps which are already available at the offices of many local authorities.

The Rights of Way Act was promoted by the Commons, Open Spaces, and Footpaths Preservation Society. Footpaths and bridle tracks which used_ to be a regular means of communication are now largely used only for recreation. That does not mean that they are no longer in public use, but the attitude of many local farmers and landowners iS not quite the same as it was when rights of way were a necessity. Still, there is no reason to j believe that interference 'with the public enjoyment of paths is increasing.

Footpaths are as important for the motorist as for the pedestrian. The more the habit of using footpaths grows, the fewer accidents there will be on the highways. Therefore proper footpaths ought to be provided along all public roads used by wheeled traffic, preferably behind the hedge, inj order that the walker may be screened from the traffic, and have a view ol the open country.