134.Section 60 requires every local highway authority (except inner London boroughs and the Common Council of the City of London) to prepare and publish a rights of way improvement plan within 5 years of the commencement of the section. It sets out what the plan should cover and what matters the authority should consider. It also provides for reviews of such plans at 10 yearly intervals. Subsection (5) defines rights of way for the purposes of section 60 as including cycle tracks other than those at the side of, or in, a made up carriageway. Subsection (6) provides for the transitional period until the reclassification of RUPPs comes into effect. It provides that the definition of local rights of way includes RUPPs until they are re-designated as restricted byways under section 47.
135.Section 61 sets out who should be consulted by the local highway authority in preparing the plans, the process of publishing and consulting on a plan, how the plan should be made available to the public, and that the authority should have regard to guidance produced for the purpose. Finally, it enables local highway authorities to make plans in conjunction with district councils or National Park authorities in their area.
136.Section 62 relates to the application of sections 60 and 61 to Inner London. The section allows inner London boroughs and the City of London to adopt the provisions. If they choose to adopt these provisions, subsection (2)(b) provides for the due date of the first review to be changed accordingly.
Introduction Commentary on sections Sections 60 to 62: Rights of way improvement plans