Skip to content
three adult rangers and volunteers with spades working on a grassy slope next to dry stone wall

Temporary closures of rights of way

Discover more
Home Explore Plan your visit Rights of way and access Temporary closures of rights of way

Traffic Regulation Orders and Notices

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Temporary Closures of rights of way are usually to allow works to take place, for example, helicopter stonelifts for Fix the Fells work or replacement of large bridges.  They may also be made for reasons of public safety, for example motor rallies, forestry, utility works or building works that affect public paths.  Orders are planned in advance, and can last up to six months. Notices are for very short term issues and come into effect immediately.

A longer term Traffic Regulation Order is a legal order regulating traffic on public highways. This includes footpaths, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and carriageways with a predominantly unsealed surface. They can be made for reasons such as:

  • avoiding danger to people or other traffic
  • preserving the character of a road
  • preventing unsuitable use of a road
  • for the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area

They can restrict:

  • All or certain specified types of user –  for example, all mechanically propelled vehicles except motorbikes
  • Use to certain times or seasons – for example, days of the week or width/height/length limits
  • The extent of road affected – for example, the whole of a road or to a specified length

How to apply for a Traffic Regulation Order/Notice

We need at least 10 weeks notice to process a Temporary Closure Order. Notices for 5 days (for works) or 21 days (due to a likelihood of danger to the public) can be processed immediately as we do not have to advertise them in the press.  Costs of orders and notices are usually met by the applicant. There are standard charges for processing Closure Orders and Notices.

Please contact either your local Ranger via hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk or a member of the Ranger Service on 01539 724555, as soon as you think you may need to close a path.

If you have any queries, or wish to apply for a closure, please contact Nick Thorne; nick.thorne@lakedistrict.gov.uk or 01539 792621, or Will Hinchliffe will.hinchliffe@lakedistrict.gov.uk 01539 792696.

Regular temporary closures

There are a couple of regular motor rally events which necessitate the temporary closure of Rights of Way in forestry areas to ensure public safety each year; the Malcolm Wilson Rally (usually held on a weekend in early March) and the Grizedale Stages Rally (usually held on a weekend in early December).

Which paths are currently closed or will soon be closed

Please click through to one of the four pages explained below.

  • Intention to Make an Order – Before we make an Order we have to tell people what we intend to do and why. These Notices of Intention are published in the local press at least 7 days before the Order is made.
  • Current Traffic Regulation Orders and Notices – These are ‘live’ closures – although some of them may only be operative when works are actually being carried out on site.
  • Permanent Restrictions – These are long term closures – including on unsealed roads:
  • Missing Bridges and Other Known Issues on Rights of Way – Sometimes it is necessary for us to remove or tape off an unsafe bridge, or rights of way become obstructed or difficult to use due to other issues such as stepping stones being washed away or a riverside path surface eroding or collapsing. These issues do not always necessitate a legal temporary closure. We have provided details of usable alternatives where possible and what action we plan to take to address the issues.