The reclassification of rights of way such as footpaths, bridleways and byways open to all traffic are important because they provide an essential resource for countryside recreation.  As such many user groups are involved with protecting their members right of access on rights of way.  This often brings different user groups into conflict with each other, with disputes occurring out in the countryside as well as at public inquiries for the reclassification of rights of way.  The Countryside Commission set a target of the year 2000 by which all rights of way should be properly defined, maintained, signposted and publicised.  Because of the pressure of the forth coming target and the poor state of many rights of way, conflicts between user groups are becoming increasingly intense.  Those against recreational 4WD vehicles on rights of way have become powerful lobby groups pressurising the government to legislate against such users.  However a consultation exercise done by the DOE did not find a case to legislate against 4WD vehicle users and ban them from rights of way.  Although it is important for the government to consider user group conflicts they must ensure the rights of way network is available to those who want to use it and not to unnecessarily exclude particular user groups from access.