Commentary on Sections Section 3 – Existing routes maps
12.Every local authority must prepare a map showing the existing active travel routes and related facilities in their area. Local authorities will be required to consult on these maps, which will then need to be approved by the Welsh Ministers. The Welsh Ministers intend to issue guidance under this subsection, which might include how the routes are depicted, the form of the maps and the process that must be undertaken to prepare and consult on the maps.
13.Local authorities must submit their existing routes maps to the Welsh Ministers for approval within one year of the commencement of section 3, or by a later date where this is specified by a direction of the Welsh Ministers. At the same time as submitting their existing routes maps, local authorities will be required to also submit a statement detailing any active travel routes that have been included on the maps that do not meet standards specified in guidance and explaining why it is considered appropriate to nevertheless regard these routes as active travel routes. If the Welsh Ministers do not approve the maps, they may direct the local authorities to revise them and resubmit them by a date specified in the direction. If the maps are still not to the required standard, this process can be repeated. In approving the maps, the Welsh Ministers will be considering whether the local authority has mapped the routes and related facilities in accordance with their guidance and whether the local authority has consulted in line with such guidance. The Welsh Ministers will also consider the content of any statement and explanation.
14.Local authorities must update and submit the maps to the Welsh Ministers for approval each time they submit their integrated network maps. This will mean that on the first occasion the maps will need to be re-submitted within two years, and from then onwards the maps will need to be re-submitted every three years. However, local authorities are free to update and revise the maps between submissions without the approval of the Welsh Ministers. The Welsh Ministers will issue guidance on the maps to support the local authorities in completing this task.