Committee: / ACCESS
Date: / 16 April 2009
Report: / ANNUAL REPORT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ‘GREEN LANES’ (UNSEALED ROUTES) IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK
Purpose of the Report
1. The purpose of this report is to inform members on the progress of implementing the agreed management plans on sensitive ‘green lanes’ in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The report also looks at the levels of use by recreational motor vehicles, on these routes, and provides a review of joint action with North Yorkshire Police.
Strategic Planning Framework
2. The information and recommendation(s) contained in this report are consistent with the Authority’s statutory purposes and its approved strategic planning framework.
· National Park Management Plan
AR2. Identify the most appropriate measures to manage the use of motorised recreational vehicles on each sensitive ‘Green Lane’, and put all such measures in place by 2011.
· Integrated Access Strategy
AS3 Safeguard the National Park from overall or irreversible damage through inappropriate activity and minimise conflict between different users:
(a) Use existing legislation and guidance to limit inappropriate activity in the National Park, including supporting and encouraging the Police Authority in controlling illegal and anti-social use.
(b) Work with the County Councils and users to explore, identify and implement appropriate management of green lanes on a regional basis.
(c) Work with landowners, farmers, users and user groups to try and resolve any actual or potential conflict through positive visitor management.
AS4 Maintain the quality, diversity and scope of the National Park’s recreational assets:
Consider each recreational activity in terms of where it should take place, in what volume and at what time. It must be recognised, though, that in many situations we have no legal means of control and so can only do so through education and encouraging users’ voluntary restraint.
Background
3. All of the green lanes in the Yorkshire Dales with possible or proven rights for mechanically propelled vehicles have been assessed using a desktop ‘sensitivity’ mapping process. This has provided a ‘sieve’ to identify routes with a high ‘sensitivity’ to use by recreational motor vehicles. The outcome of this sensitivity assessment was reported to the Access Committee on 25 January 2007. This process resulted in the identification of 102 routes with possible or proven rights for mechanically propelled vehicles, of which 28 were identified as high sensitivity and priorities for management. These figures includes the route over Pockstones Moor which is the subject of a permanent traffic regulation order, placed by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC), so Access Committee considered the future management of 27 of these routes only.
4. Following the initial desktop sieve a detailed field-based assessment report has been compiled for each of the 27 sensitive routes. On the basis of these assessments, and advice from the Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group, the Access Committee has considered the appropriate management of each of these routes.
5. The decisions taken by members of Access Committee, over the past 15 months, have led to a range of management options being implemented on these routes including: conducting repair work, continuing to monitor the use and condition of the route, as well as using traffic regulation orders to close a route to recreational motor vehicles.
Implementation of the agreed management plans
6. Appendix 1 shows the agreed management plan for each route and the progress that has been made towards its implementation. There has been excellent progress towards fully implementing the plans in all cases, with only the repair to the bridleway section of Horsehead Pass being outstanding (this should have taken place in 2008/09 but was postponed due to the weather conditions experienced last year).
7. The traffic regulation orders agreed for 13 of the routes are in place. Orders on 8 routes commenced on 3 June 2008, and the remaining 5 routes on 2 August 2008.
8. Repair works were suggested on 5 routes which are rights of way on the Definitive Map. The repair works at Cotter End on The High Way have been completed, as have the works to the Cam High Road between Far Gearstones and Cam Houses. Works on Horsehead Pass were programmed for 2008/09 but the weather conditions led to the postponement of these works.
The Highway at Cotter End, before and after works.
9. The management plans for Harber Scar Lane and Foxup Road including considering repair works on some specific sections. After further evaluation it was decided that only minor works were required at the present time.
10. Repair works were also identified on four unsurfaced unclassified county roads. In these cases the Authority agreed to look for funding, and work with NYCC and other partner organisations, to enable these repair works to be carried out. So far works have been completed on the section of Mastiles Lane to the east of the Roman marching camp, and some work has also taken place at Widdale Foot and on the route over Marsett Bottoms. The Raydale Project hopes to carry out further work at Marsett Bottoms which will improve the route, and work on West Cam Road is also planned for 2009/10.
Route through Ranley Gill plantation U2710, Widdale Foot to Arten Gill, before and after works
On-going monitoring
11. Monitoring the use by recreational vehicles, on all 28 routes, has continued with vehicle loggers in place on these and a small number of other routes. The findings from the vehicle loggers are shown in Appendices 2 and 3.
12. In addition all routes that are also recorded on the Definitive Map as rights of way have had a full condition survey this year, whilst the unsurfaced unclassified roads, not on the Definitive Map, and therefore the responsibility of the County Council have had a walkover survey to continue to monitor their surface condition. (The original condition survey for these routes was undertaken by the county council).
Levels of use of ‘green lanes’ by recreational motor vehicles
13. Appendix 2 is a number of graphs to show, over the last 12 months, use by motor vehicles on routes covered by traffic regulation orders. The graphs are presented using three possible scales to aid comparison across different routes.
14. To give some context to the levels of use shown, it is worth remembering that records from 2003/2004 show levels of motor cycle use on Mastiles Lane averaging 173 vehicles each month. In 2008 none of the routes in the National Park had this level of recreational use by motor vehicles.
15. The data loggers show that recreational motor vehicle users are complying with the traffic regulation orders that are in place, and use by recreational vehicles has declined sharply since their commencement. Agricultural and land management access is, of course, unaffected and remains noticeable on many of the routes, particularly Gorbeck Road, Horsehead Pass, Long Lane at Clapham, and Harber Scar Lane.
16. The data for 14 routes which have possible or proven rights for motor vehicles and have a management plan in place which does not include a traffic regulation order are presented in Appendix 3. There is no indication of any displacement activity, and in fact the levels of use by recreational motor vehicles has declined on many of these routes. This is most clearly shown on Dean Moor, Goatscar Lane, Edge Lane, Marsett Bottoms and the West Cam Road.
17. Further, more detailed analysis of any of the data, can be made available to Members on request.
Review of complaints/comments received
18. The Authority has kept a complaints and comments register with regard to recreational motor vehicles since 2002. With complaints about the use of green lanes generating a heavy post bag in the past. Clearly in 2008 there was considerable correspondence generated by the traffic regulation order process. However, the vast majority of general correspondence received with regard to ‘green lanes’ have been requests to clarify which routes have recognised legal rights for motor vehicles. In 2008/9 there were six complaints received, five of which were for routes now covered by traffic regulation orders, but were not at the time of the correspondence. The sixth complaint was on a route which had been upgraded to byway status, but where the signage on the ground had not been changed at that time leading to confusion.
Review of enforcement work with North Yorkshire Police
19. There were 6 days of action planned with North Yorkshire Police through the winter of 2008/09, and 4 of these were carried out. Very few recreational motor vehicles were stopped and there were no infringements for non-road legal vehicles recorded. Two vehicles which breached a traffic regulation order are in the process of being prosecuted.
Conclusion
20. There has been a great deal of activity this year to put the agreed management plans for the high sensitivity green lanes into place, and this work is very largely complete. All the management plans are being monitored and there are clear signs that they are being successful in safeguarding our most sensitive unsurfaced routes, whilst still allowing some access for recreational motor vehicle users to enjoy their activity within the National Park, as recommended by Government Guidance.
RECOMMENDATION
21. That members note the content of the report.
Mark Allum
Access Officer Projects
Date 19 March 2009
Background papers:
1. Sensitivity assessment and the prioritisation of unsealed routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, YDNPA. November 2006.
2. The findings of the sensitivity assessment process, YDNPA. November 2006
3. Access Committee Reports as follows:
· 27 January 2007 – The findings of the sensitivity assessment process
· 17 January 2008 – Proposed Management of fifteen ‘Green Lanes’ (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
· 17 April 2008 – Proposed Management of nine ‘Green Lanes’ (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
· 22 July 2008 – Proposed Management of four ‘Green Lanes’ (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
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Appendix 1
Implementation of agreed management on sensitive green lanes
The table below shows the management programme that has been agreed by Access Committee for each of the 28 routes identified as potentially sensitive to motor vehicle use, together with the progress made on implementing them. Also included are actions recommended by officers (usually with regard to repair works), which members were not always asked to endorse. Actions in bold have yet to be completed.
Route / Agreed management / Progress on implementation of agreed management / Current status / Lead body/person /The High Way / Initial repairs to eliminate danger to other users at Cotter End
Consult on intention to make full TRO / Works carried out 2007/08.
Full TRO made / BOAT / YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA
Arncliffe Cote / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / BOAT/bridleway / YDNPA
Harber Scar Lane / Repair works suggested to area below Sell Gill Holes
Consult on intention to make full TRO / Suggested works have been evaluated by Pennine Way Ranger
Full TRO made / Bridleway / YDNPA Ranger Manager
YDNPA
Stockdale Lane / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / Bridleway / YDNPA
West Cam Road / Continue to monitor the route
Discuss with NYCC regarding repairs to the area past the forestry
Discuss with NYCC the use of fencing and signage to prevent off route usage / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
NYCC currently have no budget for works to unsurfaced UCRs, but a budget bid for 2009/10 is being made.
As above / Unsurfaced unclassified road (UUR) / YDNPA / NYCC
Dean Moor / Continue to monitor the route / Vehicle logger in place. Condition survey for 2008 has been carried out / Bridleway / YDNPA Access Projects Officer
Gorbeck Road / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / BOAT / YDNPA
Foxup Road / Horton Scar Lane / Consider repair works on damaged sections
Consult on intention to make full TRO / After evaluation only minor works have been identified as necessary in 2009/10
Full TRO made / Bridleway / YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA
Cam High Road (Far Gearstones to Cam Houses) / Repairs to be carried out
Consult on intention to make full TRO / Works have been carried out as part of the Pennine Bridleway project, and from Authority budget
Full TRO made / Footpath / Pennine Bridleway Officer
YDNPA
Ling Gill (Old Ing to Cam End) / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / Footpath / YDNPA
Windy Pike Lane, Hanlith / Continue to monitor route
Remove from list of sensitive routes / Vehicle logger has been removed. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
Removed / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
YDNPA Access Projects Officer
Dead Man’s Hill / Continue to monitor the route
Consider signage informing users that leaving the route may result in restriction / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
Signage would be problematic as the extent of any vehicular rights has not been determined / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
Turbary Road / Continue to monitor route
Review in six months (due July 2008) / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
Route was reviewed at YGLAG meeting in October 2008. The group recommended that we continue to monitor the route. / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
YDNPA
Stake Road / Continue to monitor route
Carry out minor repairs at Kidstones end to prevent corners being cut
Continue to carry out regular maintenance along length
Consider signage to encourage responsible use / Vehicle logger in place. Condition survey carried out
Works carried out
Programmed
Signage placed / BOAT / YDNPA Access Projects Officer
YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA Area Ranger / Access Projects Officer
Long Lane (Helwith Bridge) / Continue to monitor route / Vehicle logger in place. Condition survey carried out / BOAT / YDNPA Access Projects Officer
Carlton to Middleham High Moor / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / UUR / YDNPA
Barth Bridge to Garsdale / Consult on intention to make full TRO / Full TRO made / UUR (Cumbria) / YDNPA
Arten Gill Moss to Widdale Foot / Continue to monitor the route
Review when outcome of legal investigations and policy review is known
Discuss possible repair works with NYCC / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
Process not complete as yet
Repair carried out through forestry section. Repair to the top section may be carried out in connection with Swineley Cowm work. NYCC have been consulted. / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
NYCC
YDNPA Area Ranger / YDNPA Access Projects Officer
Cam High Road (Bainbridge to Fleet Moss) / Continue to monitor the route
Continue to maintain the route
Signage to ensure responsible use / Vehicle logger in place. Condition survey for 2008 carried out.
Programmed
Signage placed / BOAT / YDNPA Access Projects Officer
YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA Area Ranger / Access Projects Officer
Busk Lane, Bainbridge / Continue to monitor the route
Continue to maintain the route
Signage to ensure responsible use / Vehicle logger in place. Condition survey carried out.
Programmed
Signage placed / BOAT / YDNPA Area Ranger / Access Projects Officer
Mastiles Lane / Repairs required to section beyond marching camp
Consult on full TRO / Completed
Full TRO made / UUR/Bridleway / YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA
Horsehead Pass / Repair required on Raisgill side of route
Consult on full TRO / Some works were programmed for 2008/09 but weather conditions led to postponement.
Full TRO made / UUR/Bridleway / YDNPA Area Ranger
YDNPA
Long Lane (Clapham) / Consult on full TRO / Full TRO made / Bridleway / YDNPA
Red Way / To discuss the status of the route with NYCC, and look to establish whether public rights for motor vehicles exist
To revisit the management of the route in 6 months when discussions with NYCC and Nidderdale AONB and further monitoring has taken place. / DMMO application is in progress
This will be on the agenda for the next YGLAG meeting in May 2009. / UUR and nothing / NYCC
YDNPA Access Projects Officer
Twisleton Lane / Continue to monitor the route / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey. / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
Edge Lane / Continue to monitor the route
Continue to maintain the route / Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey.
Part of Pennine Bridleway / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
Pennine Bridleway Officer
Marsett Bottoms / Seek funding to repair route
Continue to monitor route / Raydale project has secured some funds. YDNPA will contribute £3k. Some works carried out to reduce water erosion below Stalling Busk.
Vehicle logger in place. Surface condition being monitored through walkover survey. / UUR / YDNPA / NYCC
YDNPA / NYCC
Pockstones Moor / This route has not been the subject of a route assessment and has not been taken to Access Committee. This is because a full TRO made by NYCC is in place. / UUR / NYCC
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