For all who have an involvement in rights of way there will be a certain amount of contact with the local authority on issues related to obstruction of a highway. Some local authorities do take their duties very seriously and 'assert and protect' the public rights as recorded in the definitive map. Others do not. There are numerous reasons why some highway authorities do not come up to standard. It may be political interference, it may be lack of resources. There are, sadly, some highway authorities that just simply very weak when it comes to the definitive map and public access issues (and here the Trust can help, if the staff are willing). The inevitable result, regardless of cause, is that the public lose out.

This section offers a range of information to assist the public.

There are also some very helpful practical examples from the archive of Mr Colin Seymour - a man who has stood up against local authorities and prevailed.

If you are new to the issues associated with obstruction and other areas of enforcement then this 'walk through' will assist you. If you know what you are doing, then the links to the left may be the quickest way to access a topic.