Rights of Way in West Sussex

The Public Rights of Way network in West Sussex is looked after by a small, friendly team, who cover all aspects relating to the legal definition and day-to-day maintenance of the network. This is in line with our duty as the local Highway Authority to ensure the accessibility of the network to all who wish to use it. The following pages have more information about the different rights and responsibilities associated with the network.

While some of us are office-based, you may encounter our access and countryside rangers out and about undertaking the routine inspection programme or investigating individual problem reports.

Follow the links below for information on the types of rights of way and other access routes in the county. There is also information on committee procedures and the strategic direction of rights of way work in the county.

• Access to the countryside
  We recognises the need to balance access to the countryside for as many people as possible with the management of important habitats and the interests of those who live and work in the countryside.

• Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex (CAFWS)
  The Forum aims to improve countryside access for all across the county. Members of the Forum are local volunteers who have been appointed for their range of experience and interests relating to countryside access.

• Other types of access
  Other routes and types of access exist in addition to the public rights of way network, including national trails, cycle routes, green lanes and towpaths.

• Public rights of way
  A public right of way is a legal right allowing members of the public to pass and repass along the route of the right of way. Find out details of the types of public rights of way and who is allowed to use them.

• Rights of Way Committee
  The Rights of Way Committee meets four times a year and deals with all the County Council's non-Executive functions in relation to public rights of way and the registration of common land.

• Rights of Way Improvement Plan
  Rights of Way Improvement Plans are strategic documents and are required to contain the authorities assessment of the extent to which the rights of way network meets the present and likely future needs of users.