Work by the Trail Riders Fellowship and the Green Lane Association has regained motorised access to a rural green road.
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed a High Court decision to revoke a traffic regulation order which had removed vehicular access rights to a road in Wrexham. The unclassified county green road known as “Whitestones” in Llansanffraid Glyn Ceiriog, is a popular route among ‘green laners’ and other types of recreational users. However, riders have encountered problems on the route since at least 2016 when obstructions and blockages started appearing in an attempt to discourage public use.
In May 2021 the Green Lane Association (GLASS), a member of the NMC’s partner organisation, the Land Access and Recreation Association, served notice on Wrexham Council that the highway was out of repair. This led to a period where the condition of the route was improved, with repairs carried out. The GLASS ‘out of repair’ case remains ongoing, but in April 2023, Wrexham County Borough Council resolved to make an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which would prohibit the public from using vehicles on the Whitestones route, irrespective of its state of repair.
The ETRO was strongly challenged by the GLASS and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF). The TRF took the case to the High Court, claiming, among other things, a failure of the Council to consult in accordance with the appropriate regulations.
The Council have subsequently agreed, as confirmed by the High Court order, that the ETRO is now quashed, meaning that recreational users can again use the route in the normal way.
John Vannuffel of the TRF said: “We welcome Wrexham’s swift decision to consent to quashing the prohibition order and acceptance of a failure to consult TRF as required. This efficient response has enabled costs for all parties to be reduced. The requirement to consult is baked into legislation and statutory guidance. The law is adequate, but the application of the law rests with traffic authorities exercising powers to restrict or prohibit traffic. Public authorities must hear the other side and not only listen to those pressuring for a prohibition or restriction.”