Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2000. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to (a) make it easier to relocate footpaths, (b) impose a time limit on definitive map claims and (c) permit green lanes to become bridleways. - Includes ref to consultation paper 'Improving Rights of Way in England and Wales'.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to (a) make it easier to relocate footpaths, (b) impose a time limit on definitive map claims and (c) permit green lanes to become bridleways. [107528] Mr. Meacher: The Government's proposals for changes to rights of way legislation were set out in the consultation paper "Improving Rights of Way in England and Wales". The paper includes proposals on the relocation of footpaths, a time limit on definitive map claims and the reclassification of Roads Used as Public Paths. We are now considering these proposals taking into account the comments in around 2,000 responses to the consultation paper, and we expect to introduce legislation to Parliament soon.

Secondary information