|
However such statements and maps are only correct at the time they are made and classifications may change especially in the case of RUPP's, which are subject to status change due to the Year 2000 Reclassification, and routes may differ due to orders for extinguishment or diversion. With the Year 2000 Reclassification target and the aforementioned Act the process is different especially in the case of RUPP's because the decision is not whether to change a right of way's status but to define it depending on what evidence exists. When a decision is reached the definitive statement/maps will be amended which is why at the moment with the year 2000 target approaching, these statements and maps can change rapidly and if they are not regularly updated cause problems when having to prove legal rights of use.
Considering some of the problems, cost and procedures involved it is clear that reclassifying the 193,000 km of right of way network in England is being slowed down due to the large and complicated task and through legal technicalities. The Countryside Commission's own admission is that,
"…most authorities will be unable to resolve all of the outstanding problems until well beyond the year 2000 target date". (Countryside Commission6, 1993, p6.)
There is also the factor that local authorities assign a relatively small amount of their budget to such tasks. The government is always cutting back on public sector spending and the rights of way network is not a high priority compared to such issues as education or health for example. The Countryside Commission regarding progress with the year 2000 targets reiterates this theme,
"The biggest hurdle will be the 'legal definition' target which could prove unattainable even well into the first quarter of the 21st century by many authorities. The authorities that may meet the targets tend to be relatively affluent ones located in the South East region. Buckinghamshire County Council stands a good chance too."
(Continued...)
|
|
