As a landowner, it is important to be aware of your obligations when it comes to the maintenance of existing stiles on a public right of way.
As the owner or occupier of land with a public right of way across it, you must not obstruct or endanger users. This includes responsibility for the maintenance of stiles which must be kept in a safe and usable condition. If you are a tenant, the landowner may have passed the practical responsibility to you. If in doubt you should contact your landlord to clarify.
- Where a stile or gate on a public right of way is your responsibility, you must maintain it, so it is safe and reasonably easy to use.
- You can claim 25% or sometimes more of the cost of any replacement work from the highway authority. Some authorities provide materials, or others may carry out the work themselves.
- Where a stile needs replacing, always consider with the highway authority whether to do this with a gate or preferably a gap, so that it will be less of an impediment to people with mobility problems.
- You must seek the local highway authority’s permission before installing any new structure on a public right of way.
Unauthorised structures are obstructions and may be removed by the highway authority at the landowner’s expense.
In addition to the requirements above, it is worth remembering that:
- Poorly maintained stiles and gates may leave you liable for any injury sustained by the public attempting to use them.
- Well maintained and clearly waymarked stiles and gates will help prevent people becoming lost and will mean less damage to boundary fences and walls.
Find out more at:
Public rights of way: landowner responsibilities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and https://www.gov.wales/public-rights-way-guide
