The term 'Restricted Byway' was introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 [1]. It is a new type of highway, unknown to the common law. On 2 May 06, every route shown in the definitive map and statement as a 'Road Used as a Public Path' became reclassified as a Restricted Byway, with some minor exceptions [2]. Section 48 of the 2000 Act sets out the public's rights on a Restricted Byway as: a right of way on foot a right of way on horseback or leading a horse, and a right of way for vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the highway In simple terms, it's a highway for walkers, riders, cyclists and horse drawn vehicles.

Bushey 36 is a Restricted Byway Photograph courtesy Chris Beney (2006)

References
[1] s.47 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
[2] The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (Commencement No.11 and Savings) Order 2006 (SI 2006 No. 1172).

© 2006 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust