PROTECTING AND ENHANCING ACCESS ACROSS KENT DAVID SMITH SENIOR PROJECTS OFFICER COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS SERVICE CUSTOMER & COMMUNITIES DIRECTORATE

The Countryside Access Service Protection and enhancement of Kent’s Public Rights of Way network Management of the Definitive Map Village Greens and Common Land registration Promotion of Outdoor Recreation (Explore Kent) Open Access Management Countryside Management Partnerships Service and Development through the Countryside Access Improvement Plan

Asset Management 4200 Miles (6700km) of PROW 42% of total highway network –12725 Stiles –3087 Bridges –5751 Gates –30591 Signposts and Waymarks 192 Open Access Land sites. 2,075 ha. 175 Village Greens. 202ha. Kent England & Wales Footpath 85% 78% Bridleway 10% 17% Byway/RB 5% 5%

Claims Network Changes Excluded Areas Agreements Property Searches Statutory Deposits New Definitive Map

Countryside Access Improvement Plan Rights of Way Improvement Plans are a statutory duty under CROW 2000 Evaluation of Kent’s Countryside Access 10 year Improvement Strategy linked to the Local Transport Plan

Projects targeted to:- 1. A More Sensible Network 2.Growth and Development 3.Well Maintained Countryside Access 4. Knowing What’s Out There 5. Improving Safety 6.Education and Respect for the Countryside 7. Working Smarter and Improving our Customer Service

In Practice Objectives Projects Themes A More Sensible Network Establish a more complete rights of way network. This includes creating new links through consultation with members of the public and our partners. Well Maintained Countryside Access Seek the removal of existing stiles and barriers and only authorise new stiles where absolutely necessary. (Gaps>Gates>Stiles)

In Practice Objectives Projects Themes Knowing What’s Out There Growth and Development Increase public awareness of exploring the countryside and coast through targeted Explore Kent marketing and promotional material. Seize the opportunity to implement improvements to the network through major transport infrastructure schemes.

Countryside Access Design Standards

££££££££’s Core budgets Local Transport Plan Funding Bids to Government External Funding Bids Local community funds

How de we make improvements? Small scale

How de we make improvements? Large scale Legal Creation of Route Works Specification Consents Contractors Sign Off Long term Maintenance

Projects in North Kent Major Route Enhancements Darent Valley Path City 2 Sea/Saxon Shore Way Weald Way Community Connections Bean to Darenth & Bluewater Meopham Cycle Link Gateways Cyclopark Central Park, Dartford Gravesend Information/Awareness Destination Signs Maps and promotion

David Smith Senior Projects Officer Alison Andreassen & Olivia Bonham PRoW Officers Option 3 Contacts: