Rights of Way & Access Land - Enforcement

Northumberland National Park Authority in conjunction with the Highway Authority (Northumberland County Council) has a duty to protect the public rights on the road and footpath network. The effectiveness of legislation in protecting the public is dependant on the compliance of others.

Officers from time to time are required to deal with businesses and individuals who for whatever reason breach the statutory protection relating to highways. The initial aim of officers is to assist businesses and others to comply with their legal obligations without unnecessary expense or hardship. However, ultimately, firm action will be taken against those who disregard the law.

Enforcement action areas include:

• Public Rights of Way
• Access Land

The National Park Rangers have a duty to ensure that public rights of way are open and safe for use, free from obstruction and clearly marked. They are responsible for checking that works requested of owners/occupiers of land e.g. repairs of stiles and clearance of crops have been carried out to a suitable standard.

Officers may deal with matters informally or formally and the action may lead to prosecution.

Local Government Service List Number 551

Email: landscape.recreation@nnpa.org.uk
Telephone: 01434 611537
Fax: 01434 611656