The number of people visiting the Kent countryside to get their exercise walking the county’s rural footpaths has shown a big increase since the Covid-19 restrictions were put in place.
However, KCC’s Public Rights of Way service says some landowners are concerned about an increased risk to livestock, such as instances of gates being left open and dogs not being controlled.
There are also concerns that the use of public rights of way through gardens, farmyards and schools is increasing the risk of exposure to the coronavirus to residents and farm workers, but this risk is considered to be very low, as long as people follow the Government’s instructions to maintain social distancing.
Landowners do not have the legal right to block or obstruct public rights of way. However, in very limited circumstances where large numbers of people are using such routes, landowners may consider the following measures:
• Tying gates open if it is safe to do so, so that walkers do not need to touch them;
• Temporarily displaying polite notices that encourage users to respect local residents and workers by following social distancing guidelines and consider using alternative routes that do not pass through gardens, farmyards or schools; and
• Offering an alternative route around gardens and farmyards only where it is safe to do so.
Murray Evans
Kent County Council
Kent County Council
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