Restricted Byways

As of 2 May 2006 in England (and a date still to be announced in Wales), all existing roads used as public paths (RUPPs) become restricted byways (RB), which is a right of way for the public on foot, on horseback, leading a horse, and with a horse-drawn vehicle. Where public rights for mechanically propelled vehicles existed on RUPPs, these have been removed by the commencement of the NERC Act, also on 2 May 2006 in England.

The order and regulations introducing this change may be downloaded from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/stat.htm

The Restricted Byways (Application and Consequential Amendment of Provisions) Regulations 2006. SI 2006 No. 1177

There may prove to be technical difficulties with which routes actually fall to be described as RUPPs, but drivers are advised to regard all RUPPs not already reclassified as BOATs as having lost their MPV rights. If there is any doubt about the status of a particular route, please refer to the rights of way officer of your national association, or the highway authority for the route in question.