Bridleway width

[Debsflo1]

Can anyone update me on width bridleways should be please ?
Local farmer has ploughed a field margin so the area between the field and a deep dyke is very narrow and quite offputting to ride alongside, I suspect deliberately.
Thank you

 

[ponynutz]

The width between gateposts (Highways Act 1980 Section 145) should be 1.5 metres on a bridleway, 3 metres on all byways and roads. Where bollards are considered to restrict vehicular access, the minimum width should be 1.5 metres on a bridleway, 1.8 metres on a byway (see BHS Advice on Vehicle Barriers).

- From British Horse Society
(Full pdf attached)

 

[criso]

Lots of information here about ploughing and footpaths/bridlepaths.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/comp...I plough or cultivate,24 hours in other cases.

This paragraph about ploughing may be useful

The surface must be returned to at least the minimum width, which is 1n for cross-field footpaths and 2m for bridleways. Signs should be used to show the route of any reinstated path. If the path runs along the field boundary, it is illegal to plough it up or cultivate it.

 

[Merry neddy man]

It used to have to be wide enough for a horse and cart same with gates, but there are tons that aren't. Good replies by P and C

 

[spotty_pony]

Can anyone update me on width bridleways should be please ?
Local farmer has ploughed a field margin so the area between the field and a deep dyke is very narrow and quite offputting to ride alongside, I suspect deliberately.
Thank you

I could written this myself! You’re not in Lincolnshire by any chance are you? If it’s 1.5m it sadly sounds like mine is legal but it used to be a good canter stretch but I wouldn’t fancy risking a spook mid canter with the big dyke on one side now!

 

[Orangehorse]

If it is by a hedge/margin it should be wider.

 

[TrainingGallop]

A field-edge public bridleway must not be cultivated. A 3m margin must be left for a bridleway. If it is cultivated, the highway authority may prosecute, and may make good the margin and recover the costs of so doing from the occupier. See Sch.12A to the Highways Act 1980: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/schedule/12A , which covers the main elements.
It's also a breach of cross compliance to cultivate within one metre of the top of the bank of the dyke. You can report this to the RPA (in England): www.gov.uk/government/organisations/rural-payments-agency , but don't expect to be informed of any follow-up.

 

[PeterNatt]

TrainingGallop is absolutely correct. What they have done is illegal. Please contact your County Council Rights of Way Team - they may even have an on-line reporting portal on the County Council Web Site. The bridleway should be re-instated without delay but if nothing has happens within 2 weeks then contact your local British Horse Society Access Officer who will be only to pleased to assist you. (To get their contact details phone the Access Department at BHS H.Q. Good Luck Peter Natt BHS Access Officer North Hertfordshire and Stevenage

 

[Debsflo1]

Thank you all.
Yes I am in Lincolnshire ,will report it and see what we can sort as not many safe routes to ride.