Clause 61 - Restriction on creation of new public rights of way
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill
1:00 pm
John Mann (Bassetlaw, Labour)
It sounds as though the rest of the Committee wants to concentrate on clause 62, but I see the main problems as being in clause 61. Is it not the case that if the Bill is passed unamended, trail riders or any other group who feel that they have lost any ability to create a new right, even when it is non-contentious, will be able to mount a legal challenge to the legislation? Through the legislation, someone must be able to say, “We think that this particular route is highly applicable for trail bikes and other motorised vehicles.” They must be able to do so in a way that means that the rest of the community can take a view on the matter, so that it can be appropriately determined.
My opposition to trail bikes, which arises from the problems in my constituency, is not an attempt to remove the right to ride them when there is agreement. I should like to see somewhere of an appropriate size designated for people properly to practise their sport, so that walkers, horse riders and others know that it would be particularly stupid to go there. I should like to see such balance and sense, but my fear is that the balance needed to allow all groups to have appropriate access is not provided for. That is why I question the Minister again about whether provision will be possible under clause 61.