Proposal to close Essex ROW's

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stu2985

New Member
Posts
285
Location
Shropshire
Just put up from GLASS

It has been brought to our attention that in Essex, the following has been proposed:

• To trial a blanket seasonal temporary closure order in Braintree District, closing all Byways in the District to motorised traffic (inclusive of four by four vehicles and motorcycles) from 1st October to 1st April.
• The closure order is to exclude private vehicular access, storage and /or field access.
• Pending outcome of the trial in Braintree District, such temporary closure to be extended to all Byways in the County and implemented on annual basis.
• The highway authority, the police and local residents to work in closer partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour on Byways.

So essentially they want to trial one area and then carry out a blanket ban across the county.

On closer inspection, it seems that Essex CC has appointed a new Cabinet Member for Highways and it is he who is driving these measures, and apparently we have been told that his first intention is to extinguish vehicular rights on ALL byways throughout England and Wales and is looking to support an MP who will pursue a private members bill in parliament.

Well well well, a member of GLEAM perhaps? Anyone care to name him or her. How someone can ever be allowed to hold a job like that is beyond us – it should not be allowed.
 
Guys,

Taking the liberty of reposting Paul' comments from the thread on the GLASS facebook page for this:-

Paul John Dixon The truth is rather different and I give below the reply I received to my query from Cllr. Bass, the Cabinet Member of Essex County Council responsible for Highways. "There does seem to be excessive speculation. I am the Cabinet Member and I am reviewing possible options to close byways on a selective basis for temporary periods in the winter to allow maintenance. This follows representations made to me by some Parish Councils and landowners adjacent to such byways. I am advised that there is a certain amount of amount of irresponsible use of such byways in winter periods and following recent wet weather by 4 X 4 vehicles and/or motorcycles for recreational purposes. It follows that anything which your club could do (if indeed it is applicable and relevant) to limit such use during winter would be very much welcomed.

I have absolutely no intention of trying to extinguish all byways and I have no interest in any part of the country other than the County of Essex for which I have responsibility

I trust this clarifies the situation and is helpful to your members"
 
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