What we do:

We are involved at all levels of rights of way and countryside access issues. We use the Green Lane network, campaign against obstructions and other things that make the network less usable, and promote sensible, sustainable use of this network.

We actively seek to educate all motorised users to sensibly use the existing network and, where problems do exist, to take an integral role in rights of way management and to provide physical maintenance of Green Lanes.

What is a 'Green Lane'?

The term 'Green Lane' has no legal meaning. However, it is generally taken to mean a highway along which vehicles are permitted but which has not had a hard surface applied to it. There are several places where these routes are official recorded. But, there are also many routes that are not recorded or are recorded as not having public vehicular rights.

Recording of Public Rights:

We campaigns for all routes to be correctly signed and recorded. This is important not just to protect the rights that currently exist but also to minimise conflict between different user groups and conflict between users and landowners.

Research:

Nearly all groups agree that only a small percentage of the public network is currently recorded. The remainder has been ‘lost’ by a passage of time. We are involved in researching these lost routes and campaigning for these routes to be reinstated, a task that has become more difficult with new legislation in 2006.

Education:

The interest in four wheel drive vehicles in recent years has not led, as some predicted, in a similar increase in motor vehicles in the countryside. However, many owners of 4x4’s would like to use their vehicles away from tarmac. We are involved in educating all motorised users in an effort to ensure that our heritage of historic highways is preserved.

  We believe that sensible use of Green Lanes helps to protect their unique character by preventing encroaching vegetation and by promoting sustainable wildlife habitats.

Additionally we are involved, where needed, in the physical maintenance and preservation of Green Lanes.

Greenlane Information

The term Green Lane or Green Road is a general expression used to describe any unsurfaced country way; often of some antiquity. The terms have no significance in law. If a right of way exists along such a way, then it will be one of the following: a Byway (shown on OS maps as a 'Byway Open to All Traffic' or BOAT), a Restricted Byway (RB), a Bridleway or a Footpath. Under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPPs) have been reclassified as Restricted Byways, extinguishing their vehicular rights. In each category the greater right is always held to include the lesser. BOATs are public highways, so your vehicles will need to be taxed and insured and seat belts must be worn where applicable.

1. Use only vehicular rights of way - not all green roads have vehicular rights. LARA groups can help with information.

2. Keep to the defined track, and deviate only to pass immovable obstructions. Report obstructions, including low branches and very soft ground, to the highway authority. If the correct route is not obvious on the ground, ask local users, or check the details held at the highway authority and local record offices.

3. Travel at a quiet and unobtrusive pace, alone or in small groups. Remember that others seek to get away from bustle and rush.

4. Ensure that you and your vehicle are fully road-legal, and obey traffic and LARA signs. Green roads are subject to the same laws as surfaced roads. There is no public right to drive away from a road on common land, moorland, sand dunes, or beach.

5. Pay attention to 'the Four Ws' -

Weather: -

Do not travel on green roads when they risk being damaged beyond a point of natural recovery, when the weather improves.

Weight :-

Do not use roads which may be seriously damaged by the wheel pressure of your vehicle. LARA does not support the use of Heavy Vehicles on green roads.

Width :-

Do not use roads which are too narrow for your vehicle. Avoid damage to trees, hedges and boundaries.

Winches:-

Use only when unavoidable. Always avoid damage to trees, walls, and surface while recovering.

6. Respect the life of the countryside. Be courteous to all other users, and take great care when passing horses. Be prepared to stop your engine if needed. Always fasten gates and take care near livestock.

7. Remember that wildlife faces many threats, and green roads can be valuable habitats. Take special care in spring and early summer.

Rights of Way and Restrictions.

Vehicles may legally be used on ‘Byways open to all traffic' (BOATS) and 'Unclassified roads' (or UCRS). If in doubt, check with the highway authority or a LARA member organisation. Some vehicular routes have been closed by TROs (Traffic Regulation Orders) you must obey the signs at the ends of these routes.

Voluntary Restraint.

As an alternative to more formal measures, LARA operates a system of 'voluntary restraint' to help solve problems on green roads. Signs are erected where the system is in operation they carry the LARA logo, a local contact telephone number and location details. This system is only applied after agreement with local users, and all motor vehicle users are asked to obey the signs, not to do so may lead to permanent closure.

Maps and Signs.

Do not assume that Ordnance Survey maps give correct information on rights of way. Many maps contain out of date detail, or have serious omissions, especially as regards green roads. OS maps do not show which roads are public UCRs and which are private access roads. Do not assume that every minor road is public. Some highways shown on maps or on signs as 'bridleway' or 'footpaths' are actually vehicular rights of way, but unless you have evidence of this you must not drive on any footpath or bridleway without the landowner's permission.

Right of Way - in this context, the 'right of way' is the legally protected right of a member of the public to pass and repass along a defined route across private land. Although the route is defined, there may not be any visible evidence of the existence of a track on the ground. The M20 and Maidstone High Street are not rights of way in this context.

BOAT or Byway - this has vehicular and all the lesser rights of way. Vehicles must comply with all driving regulations applicable to ordinary road traffic.

Restricted Byway - this is for the use of horse drawn carriages, horse and bicycle riders and pedestrians only.

Bridleway - this is for the use of horse and bicycle riders and pedestrians only.

Footpath - this is for pedestrians only.