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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans are in place to inform walkers (a) what land is open access on 19 September and (b) what land will be open access at a later date. [183127] Alun Michael: We are committed to introducing the new right of access in England under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 in every region of England before the end of 2005. The South East and lower North West, will open for access on 19 September. I have announced a timetable for opening access in the other areas to ensure that those people preparing to use their new rights can plan ahead. We have drawn up a detailed communications framework, in partnership with the Countryside Agency, the Association of National Park Authorities, English Nature, the Forestry Commission, the Local Government Association, the Ministry of Defence and Ordnance Survey. The plan sets out a number of objectives and actions for each organisation so that the public, land managers, interest groups and other stakeholders should be aware, understand and appreciate the new countryside access rights and responsibilities. Ordnance Survey is carrying out a revision of its Explorer maps to inform walkers about what land is open. It is preparing for the launch of access land in the first two regions in September. In later regions it will also publish updated Explorer maps as close as possible to the commencement of the new rights, with complete coverage scheduled for summer 2006. The maps will provide clear information on access land to map users. In addition, to coincide with the issue of a new and up-to-date Countryside Code on 12 July, the Countryside Agency launched a new website to help the public find out what they can do and where they can go in the English countryside. The new website contains information about the new access rights and also advice for landowners and managers on how to manage public access and details of the restrictions process. As the new rights are commenced, the website will include a map showing access land in each region. The public will be able to see if other access rights are available (such as bridleways), to check whether any local closures or restrictions are in force and to find the location of local "Access Information Points". An Open Access Contact Centre has also been established to provide information to the public about the new access rights. We also expect information for walkers to be available locally, from a variety of outlets including National Park visitor centres, and `on the ground'. The Countryside Agency is issuing guidance to access authorities (National Park Authorities in National Parks and local highway authorities elsewhere) and to land managers on the use of signs. An open access symbol will indicate land that may be open for public access on foot.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

183127; 423 c1342-3W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Access Countryside Maps Rights of way Walking

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk