Local Access Forums (England & Wales)
Briefing
Friday, 5 May 2017
Local Access Forums (England & Wales)
Policy Key Facts
- Local Highway Authorities and National Parks have to set up Local Access Forums by law under the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. Members are not allowed to represent an organisation, but should be able to represent their interests knowledgeably.
- In 2014/15, there were 86 active LAFs in England, with almost a thousand members between them. Around 24 LAFs are operating in Wales.
- In 2014/15, English LAFs were formally consulted on 100 “route improvements (to PROW and other multi-user/cycling/horse-riding/walking routes)”, and were asked for advice on another 140 of them.
Cycling UK View
- Cycling interests should be represented on all LAFs.
- Local authorities should be receptive and responsive to LAF recommendations on:
- amendments to the definitive map and on processing them in a timely fashion, to the benefit of off-road cyclists
- the promotion and signing of the RoW network and other opportunities for off-road cycling
- the proper maintenance of byways, bridleways and un-surfaced unclassified roads o the removal of obstructions.
- LAFs should promote off-road cycling as a healthy and enjoyable activity, particularly to families and young people.
- LAFs should adopt, implement and promote Cycling UK’s key Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) priorities