Recently members of CRAG were invited to attend a Shropshire County Council Scrutiny Committee meeting. The Committee had requested a report on the current management approach to byways and unsealed unclassified county roads by the Countryside Access Team and consideration of a blanket ban on vehicular use of such routes.
The current approach by the team is to work constructively with CRAG, looking at each route individually and to reach consensus where problems exist, using CRAG voluntary work teams to resolve longstanding issues on the ground.
The tabled options were as follows.
1. A blanket TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) on all unsealed Byways and
Unclassified County Roads.
2. A reactive approach - only dealing with problems when they arise.
3. The continuation of the current management approach of the MPV rights of way network in conjunction with CRAG. Measures include the use of Volunteer labour for maintenance, CRAG advice on using VR (Voluntary Restraint) systems, Seasonal employment of TRO and the use of "one way" systems in accordance with terrain conditions. This was the option favoured by the Countryside Access Team.
During the two hour meeting, various local groups made their arguments for a blanket TRO citing many of the well used and often ill-informed points we have become accustomed to hearing. Finally CRAG members Mr Ray Dadd and Dr Gareth Boxley, were given the chance to speak for users of MPV in the Countryside. The presentations clearly earned the respect of some of the councillors and may well have changed the views of some present.
When put to the vote the committee with the exception of one abstained voted unanimously for the adoption of option three. I.e. The management program of the MPV ROW network in association with CRAG.
This is a very positive and encouraging outcome from the meeting for the users of MPV on Unsealed routes. Hopefully with all our help, we may be able to hold up Shropshire as an example to other Councils of what can be achieved through mutual co-operation and responsible use.
If anyone wants a copy of the committee for those who are interested please drop me a PM with an email address and I will send a copy.
Paul Humphreys
CRAG Press Officer
