What we do

We protect public rights of way (PROW), and maintain them to a standard appropriate to their character and level of use.

Is there a cost involved?

You can use rights of way free of charge at all times of the day and night.

There is a charge for those who wish to temporarily close or divert a public right of way. Please contact the PROW officers for further information.

Additional Information

Our responsibilities

We help members of the public enjoy the East Riding of Yorkshire's public rights of way by dealing with any problems that occur on the network.

We consult and work with landowners to resolve problems with public rights of way over their land. We erect signposts and waymarker posts along public rights of way. We clear vegetation where it is affecting the access along a right of way, or ask landowners to do so, if it is their responsibility.

What are public rights of way?

There are four types of public right of way:

1. Public footpaths: for use by pedestrians only.


2. Bidleways: for use by those on foot, horseback, or pedal cycle (not motor bike).


3. Byways: sometimes referred to as byways open to all traffic (BOATs), these are usually old roads, or green lanes. These are for use by all types of traffic, including properly licensed motor vehicles.


4. Restricted byways.

What aren't public rights of way?

There is a distinction between a public right of way and an adopted highway, footway or cycleway. The latter are looked after by the road and footpath maintenance council service.

Pavements outside houses and most snicket paths which link streets on housing developments are not public rights of way. These are also maintained by the road and footpath maintenance council service.

Using a public right of way

On a public footpath you may:

• Take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair if practicable.


• Take a dog but please remember that a Dog Control Order is in place requiring you to clean up after your dog and ensure that your dog is under proper control. This will be enforced by designated officers.


• Take a deviation around an obstruction.

Motorcyclists using a public footpath or bridleway are commiting a criminal offence and should be reported to the police.

Service Area

Different regions of the East Riding are managed by specific PROW officers (see map below).
Geographical area map
Contact PROW officer by area.

When we are open

Telephone enquiries are welcome from:
8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
8.30am - 4.30pm Friday

Fax or e-mail at anytime.