Private Roads

[Faro]

As I understand it, a Private Road is one which is not maintained by the local council but by the residents instead (please correct me if I'm wrong). However, does anyone know if you are allowed to ride along a Private Road or not? (It's not marked as a bridlepath or footpath or other byway)

It's just that I've recently found a fantastic short cut to some nearby woods which you can ride in, however it does mean riding along a Private Road. By going to the woods this way, I could ride there in about 15 minutes, however, my normal quickest route to these woods takes the best part of an hour. I would love to be able to use this short cut now I've found it, but I don't fancy angry residents coming out and giving me an earful.

Can anyone advise please?

 

[nic85]

Maybe ask the residents before you ride on the private road?

 

[LouBerry]

As far as i'm aware if it's a private road and not a bridlepath then you're not meant to ride down it and i'd call it trespassing?
We've got qutie a few routes round here that pals have trespassed on (and been caught) but i've never bothered with it. Not got the nerve i'm afraid as law of sod would state i got caught

Plus it would nark me if i kept catching people doing it so guess i just think as i'll just be sensible and stick to the rules

 

[Thistle]

Use it and if anyone comes out and shouts apologise and ask them politely if they would mind, emphasise the getting off the roads.

I'm sure I've done worse!

 

[smellsofhorse]

I would imagine not.

As its private then its not a public right of way.

Unless like near us the private road connects the bridleway.

You could always ask the residents.

 

[geronimostilton]

Are there a lot of houses on the road? I would pop round and knock on the doors and ask in person, explaining the dangers of busy roads and horses

I think if you go and ask their permission and show some respect, they are more likely to say yes, whereas if you just ride on the road they would probably be understandably miffed.

 

[Angua2]

If you don't ask you don't get.

The only thing I can see them getting upset about is any droppings ( which is more likely the usual winge) you could point out that it is free manure for the garden and does wonders for the roses

 

[woolly]

I should think this would be trespass. As others have said ask first. If this route has been used frequently, even by trespassers, over some time, then there may be implied access...I doubt it and if I was a resident, who contributed to the maintenance of the road, I would be utterly miffed and move towards blocking access to ensure that trespass really was difficult if not impossible and take any legal action I could. If you asked on the other hand... I personally, would not object one bit as like ponies!
Ask!!!!
Best of luck!

 

[scotsmare]

Does the road actually have a sign up that says private road?

if it doesn't then you can probably use it.

 

[OWLIE185]

The first thing to do is to check the status of this road with the Definitive Map Officer at your local County Council to determine of what status it is.

If it is a non-made up road then it may well be a 'White Lane' which is a Public Highway but one that is not made up (surfaced). Members of the public may use a White Lane.

Alternatively you may find that it has status as a Public Right of Way. The fact there are no signs does not exclude it from being such.

So before you do anything else determine the status of it from the Definitive Map Officer at your County Council.

Once you have done this if you find it has no status as a Public Right of Way you could always determine if it has ever been ridden in the past by researching older riders in the area. If you can find enough riders that have ridden the route in the past over a period of 12 years then it is possible to claim the route as a bridleway.

The last alternative would be to ask the owners of the Private Road if they would be prepared to dedicate it as a Restricted Byway or Bridleway.

If you need any help then just contact me by E-mail on info@bhs-herts.co.uk

Peter Natt Volunteer BHS Bridleway officer Stevenage and North Hertfordshire

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

My stables are on a private road which is gated and marked as such (I have a key so we can drive down it) BUT, it is part of the bridle way so everyone can use it (there is a separate gate for riders and walkers).

Best to ask though!

 

[Sooty]

Technically no; it is no more a right of way than anyone else's front drive. However, I am sure if you ask the people who own the land they will be happy for you to use it. Unless it is a designated bridleway - have you checked the OS map for the area?

 

[OWLIE185]

O.S. Maps do not necessarily have all the rights of ways marked on them.

The only way to check the true status is by contacting the Definitive Map Officer at your County Council. They will check the definitive map which has all the public rights of way marked on it.

 

[SNORKEY]

Hi, i live down a private unmade road in the middle of a nature reserve, it's owned by an estate not by all the houses along it, we have horses down here all the time. You can go down there i would say if there is more than one house, unless its got private keep out then your alright, and if anyone says anything just say there are no signs and your sorry, and ask if it is private!