Written question asked by Adrian Ramsay (Green Party) on Friday, 5 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rights of Way: Disability

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of section 147ZA of the Highways Act 1980 on the rights of disabled people to access the outdoors.

Answer: This Government is supportive of the provision within section 147ZA of the 1980 Act that enables an authority to work with landowners and relevant parties to replace or improve existing structures so that they can be used more easily by individuals that may experience mobility challenges. There is currently no national assessment available of the impacts of this provision. However, we will continue to improve access to green and blue spaces, ensuring that it is safe and appropriate for all users, through our various initiatives.

Secondary information