Contact: Andrew Smith, Ext 6003 e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to the proposed policy, set out in paragraph 3 of the attached report, for the management of traffic on Hampshire's rights of way network and the use of Traffic Regulation Orders. The proposed policy is in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and has been developed with the advice from the statutory Hampshire Countryside Access Forum.

2 Reason

2.1 The County Council, as highway authority, has a duty to protect the use and enjoyment of public rights of way. Occasionally, certain types of use of a route can be detrimental to this use and enjoyment. The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 specifically gives the highway authority the powers to prohibit use of routes by certain types of traffic where the authority deem it expedient to protect other users, the path itself, or where such use would be out of keeping with the character of the area. In light of recent controversy relating to the use of motor vehicles in the countryside and the Council's use of Traffic Regulation Orders it is important that the Council has a clear and open policy in this regard.

2.2 The policy supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy :

(a) Aim 1 - Maximising Life Opportunities. Through ensuring that rights of way can be used safely by everyone.

(b) Aim 2 - Stewardship of the Environment. Through restriction of traffic, where necessary, in order to protect the local environment.

(c) Aim 4 - Building Strong and Safe Communities. By ensuring that routes can be used safely.

3 Other Options Considered and Rejected

None.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6 Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: Date:

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Councillor Mrs. M. Snaith