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Written question asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rights of Way: Access

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend the Highways Act 1980 to give local highway authorities the powers they need to install more accessible structures on public rights of way.

Answer

This Government recognises the importance of access to the outdoors for people’s health and wellbeing. Public rights of way are a treasured national asset and play a vital role in enabling access to the countryside.

This Government recognises that physical barriers on public rights of way can limit access, particularly for disabled people, older people and those with reduced mobility. While there are currently no plans to amend the Highways Act 1980, officials will continue to keep the issue under consideration as part of wider work on improving access to the public rights of way network.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1291
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Access Rights of way
Legislation
Highways Act 1980
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk