The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Abstract

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 received the Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. It is ‘An Act to make new provision for public access to the countryside; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; to enable traffic regulation orders to be made for the purpose of conserving an area's natural beauty; to make provision with respect to the driving of mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads; to amend the law relating to nature conservation and the protection of wildlife; to make further provision with respect to areas of outstanding natural beauty; and for connected purposes.’¹ This article gives an outline of the main provisions of the Act with particular emphasis on how environmental considerations have been taken into account in the legislation relating to public access.