Vehicle Use On Ancient Right Of Way Loophole

EDM number 43 in 2003-04, proposed by Caroline Spelman on 26/11/2003.

That this House recognises the impact of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 in reclassifying all roads used as public paths to restricted byways; notes that in order to upgrade a restricted byway to a byway open to all, proof has to be provided of 20 years' uninterrupted usage by a wheeled vehicle; further notes that use by horse and cart up to several hundred years ago would automatically confirm the right of passage of modern wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles; recognises the environmental and social impact of this legal loophole; and urges the Government to take action to close it forthwith.

This motion has been signed by a total of 67 MPs.