Public rights of way and definitive maps

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Public rights of way (PROW) are highways that allow the public a legal right of passage. They have the same status and protection in law as highways and remain in existence until legally closed, diverted or extinguished. It is a criminal offence to obstruct a PROW. See Practice Note: Public rights of way.

Early identification of PROW can help to avoid potential delays to development or difficulties in selling properties. Local authorities are under a legal duty to keep all PROW open and maintained in a safe condition for public use.

Types of PROW

The common types of PROW are:

  1. •

    footpath—for use on foot and mobility vehicles (eg pushchairs and wheelchairs) only

  2. •

    bridleway—for use on foot, horse and cycle

  3. •

    byway open to all traffic (BOAT)—for use on foot, horse, cycle, motorised and non-motorised vehicles

  4. •

    restricted byway—for use on foot, horse, cycle and for vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles

The Definitive Map

The Definitive Map is a map prepared by a local authority which is a legal record of PROW in a specified area. If a PROW is shown

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