Public Rights of Way: Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways
For ease of reference, footpaths are for walking; bridleways for walking, horse riding and cycling; and restricted byways are for walking, cycling, horse riding and other non-motorised vehicles.
A map detailing the Rights of Way in Kimpton
(click on tiles 06.19, 06.20, 07.19 and 07.20)
Problems with Rights of Way
It is Hampshire County Council's legal duty for recording, signing and maintaining public Rights of Way.
Using Public Rights of Way
Hampshire County Council will inspect and clear obstructed Public Rights of Way once reported. Kimpton has an impressive 21 Rights of Way which need maintenance.
Hampshire County Council has limited reserves, therefore clearance of three nominated Rights of Way should be carried out in the Parish once a year by contractors and are on the priority cutting list. Two paths are contracted out to a village contractor and the rest are cut by volunteers.
Problems found with any Rights of Way, should be reported to Hampshire County Council using their online portal, using the link below, or by phoning them on 0300 555 1391.
View, report or track problems with Public Rights of Way
Landowner Responsibilities
Landowners, including those residential properties bordering Rights of Way, must refrain from obstructing rights of way. They are responsible for keeping side growth back and any overhanging vegetation from encroaching onto paths. Maintenance of stiles and gates is also the responsibility of the landowner, but Hampshire County Council will check that they are safe and easy to use. There is no obligation on a landowner to make allowance for dogs that get through stiles.
Landowners guide to public rights of way
Hedge Cutting on the Highway and Rights of way
Hedges along paths and roads need to be routinely maintained to not obstruct highways or Rights of Way and are covered by the Highway Act 1980 s154. The following is for guidance and links are included below to Test Valley documentation about cutting back trees and the Act.
Although the Highways Act 1980 doesn't specify any actual measurements for overhanging vegetation, the requirement should be met by:
• For pedestrian areas, minimum headroom of 2.3m (7ft 6 inches).
• For carriageway and an area immediately adjacent to it (for a distance of 0.45m (1ft 6 inches)) minimum headroom of 5.2m (17ft).
Trimming shrubs and trees over public pavements, roads etc
Trees Overhanging the Highway
Highways Act 1980
Parish Lengthsman Scheme
Hampshire County Council provide funding for defined works and services (see list below) operated through a Parish Lengthsman Scheme Agreement.
If you have any suggestions of work within the parish for the Lengthsman to carry out OR you identify any other village maintenance issues you'd like to bring to the attention of the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk on kimptonhampshire@gmail.com
Drainage
• Clearing existing drainage grips
• Maintaining ditches
• Cleaning channels
• Clearing outfalls
• Rodding pipes (off highway)
• Flood prevention works (as specifically directed by the Parish Council as “Further Works”)
Signage
• Cleaning (non illuminated)
• Minor repairs
Other Minor Works
• Remove soil/detritus
• Cutting back vegetation overhanging the road or footway
• Clearing footways of weeds/moss
• Removing vegetation from parapets or fences
• Grass strimming
• Reporting defects
• Sweeping
• Litter picking
• Removing flyposting
• Unauthorised sign and graffiti removal
• Cleaning street name plates
• Cleaning bus shelters
• Minor repairs to street furniture
• ‘Village upkeep’
A map detailing the Rights of Way in Kimpton
(click on tiles 06.19, 06.20, 07.19 and 07.20)
Problems with Rights of Way
It is Hampshire County Council's legal duty for recording, signing and maintaining public Rights of Way.
Using Public Rights of Way
Hampshire County Council will inspect and clear obstructed Public Rights of Way once reported. Kimpton has an impressive 21 Rights of Way which need maintenance.
Hampshire County Council has limited reserves, therefore clearance of three nominated Rights of Way should be carried out in the Parish once a year by contractors and are on the priority cutting list. Two paths are contracted out to a village contractor and the rest are cut by volunteers.
Problems found with any Rights of Way, should be reported to Hampshire County Council using their online portal, using the link below, or by phoning them on 0300 555 1391.
View, report or track problems with Public Rights of Way
Landowner Responsibilities
Landowners, including those residential properties bordering Rights of Way, must refrain from obstructing rights of way. They are responsible for keeping side growth back and any overhanging vegetation from encroaching onto paths. Maintenance of stiles and gates is also the responsibility of the landowner, but Hampshire County Council will check that they are safe and easy to use. There is no obligation on a landowner to make allowance for dogs that get through stiles.
Landowners guide to public rights of way
Hedge Cutting on the Highway and Rights of way
Hedges along paths and roads need to be routinely maintained to not obstruct highways or Rights of Way and are covered by the Highway Act 1980 s154. The following is for guidance and links are included below to Test Valley documentation about cutting back trees and the Act.
Although the Highways Act 1980 doesn't specify any actual measurements for overhanging vegetation, the requirement should be met by:
• For pedestrian areas, minimum headroom of 2.3m (7ft 6 inches).
• For carriageway and an area immediately adjacent to it (for a distance of 0.45m (1ft 6 inches)) minimum headroom of 5.2m (17ft).
Trimming shrubs and trees over public pavements, roads etc
Trees Overhanging the Highway
Highways Act 1980
Parish Lengthsman Scheme
Hampshire County Council provide funding for defined works and services (see list below) operated through a Parish Lengthsman Scheme Agreement.
If you have any suggestions of work within the parish for the Lengthsman to carry out OR you identify any other village maintenance issues you'd like to bring to the attention of the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk on kimptonhampshire@gmail.com
Drainage
• Clearing existing drainage grips
• Maintaining ditches
• Cleaning channels
• Clearing outfalls
• Rodding pipes (off highway)
• Flood prevention works (as specifically directed by the Parish Council as “Further Works”)
Signage
• Cleaning (non illuminated)
• Minor repairs
Other Minor Works
• Remove soil/detritus
• Cutting back vegetation overhanging the road or footway
• Clearing footways of weeds/moss
• Removing vegetation from parapets or fences
• Grass strimming
• Reporting defects
• Sweeping
• Litter picking
• Removing flyposting
• Unauthorised sign and graffiti removal
• Cleaning street name plates
• Cleaning bus shelters
• Minor repairs to street furniture
• ‘Village upkeep’