Green lane management framework
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's approach to green lane management is outlined in the framework document, ‘Management of the use of green lanes (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park’, which was produced by the Authority following consultation.
The framework translates our broad policies and objectives into a framework for the management of green lanes in the National Park, ensuring a consistent, case by case approach is taken in line with good practice, legislation and guidance. You can download a copy of the full document from the document library by clicking the link below:
- Management of the use of green lanes (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (opens Document Library)
In summary the framework outlines factors that need to be considered in evaluating the impact of recreational motor vehicles on green lanes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park including:
- considerations relating to national park designation;
- the ecological sensitivity associated with the route;
- the heritage of the route and its surroundings;
- conflict between recreational user groups;
- concerns of local residents and landowners/managers;
- the durability of the route;
- the condition of the route; and
- the uses of the route.
Possible options for management of individual routes, identified in the framework, include:
- do nothing;
- repair the route;
- maintain the route;
- seek voluntary restraint on use of the route from specified users; and
- place legal restriction (Traffic Regulation Order – TRO) on use of route from specified users. For example:
- limit use of the route to a specified number of users each month (a permit system);
- seasonal restriction on use (preventing use at specified times of year);
- other partial restriction (for example, preventing use for certain number of days or at certain times of day); or
- all year round restriction on use.
Sensitivity assessment
For routes which have proven mechanically propelled vehicular rights, or where such rights are a possibility, identifying suitable management options will revolve around a detailed assessment of the route. The methodology used to assess sensitivity, initially, together with the findings can be downloaded from our document library by clicking on the links below:
- Sensitivity assessment and the prioritisation of unsealed routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and findings of the sensitivity assessment process (opens Document Library)
Out of 102 routes with possible or proven mechanically propelled vehicular rights, 28 were assessed as high sensitivity.
For each of these routes a detailed assessment report is being produced. This report goes to an advisory group (Yorkshire Dales Green Lane Advisory Group) set up to give advice on management measures on individual unsealed routes. The Yorkshire Dales Access Forum have helped set up this advisory group, which consists of four representatives from the Forum, and four members of other groups to ensure a balance of interests and experience including recreational motor vehicle users. The advisory group also includes representatives from the two county councils and Natural England. The Authority's Recreation Management Member Champion chairs the group. Where a route crosses the boundary of the National Park the full involvement of the relevant county council will be essential. The advice of the group, including where this suggests use of a Traffic Regulation Order, will go forward to be considered by the Access Committee of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. To download a copy of a flowchart illustrating this process from our document library click on the link below:
- Flowchart illustrating TRO process (opens Document Library)
For more detailed information about the powers that national park authorities now have to make Traffic Regulation Orders within national parks and information about how this process works, visit our TRO process page.
