Unregistered land

[hardy49]

We have a Bridle Path that runs to the rear of our property.In fact there about nine or ten properties which back onto the path.Over the years this path has been used as a rat-run,in spite of the path not being roadworthy,and now,because of the cars and lorries,the path is in a sorry state.Two weeks ago a stolen car was set on fire and it was only by pure luck that the fire did not catch hold onto our fencing or hedges.

Over the years we have pleaded with the council to stop the vehicles,and have even asked our MP for help. The response we get from the council is that they do not own the land,and,even more maddening,if they were to stop the motorists then they may appeal !!!!!

Last week I sent the details to Land Registry to ask if they could let us know who does own the Bridle Path so we can ask them to ban the traffic.I received a letter back saying that the Bridle Path was unregistered.

What,in simple terms,does this mean,and could it be possible for us to apply for the traffic to be stopped ?

[buildersmate]

It is unlawful for a motor vehicle to be driven along a public bridleway (well it is if taken more than 15yds off the public carriageway, at any rate).
You can apply to see if the bridleway is on the Register of Commons - the County Council holds this information. If it is then the bridleway is common land and no one individual does own it. That strengthens your case for getting the local council to do something about it.
If it is not then it is probably a historical anachronism, may have been owned by the field owner the other side or no-one claims to own it.
The best you can hope for is to pursuade the council to erect bollards that are wide enough for a horse/bicycle/pedestrian to pass through. But they may not do that if the owner cannot be identified just in case a owner happens to turn up. Unlikely though that is.

[hammersgirl]

Sounds like it might be the kind of campaign that local councillors can get their teeth into. The Council only really listen to Councillors, not those of us paying through the nose for "Services".
In the light of current enthusiasm for reducing crime, see if the Police will back you and get a petition from all the houses backing on to the path. List as many incidents as you can remember, and involve the local paper.

[hardy49]

Thanks for that.it really has been an uphill battle,but I think getting the police involved may help - so the little lowlifes may have done us a favour !!! It does make us mad when we hear about our council promoting Green isssues,and then are quite content to let cars and lorries trail across our lovely Downs - ooh don't start me off !!

Thanks again.

[dzug]

Over the years this path has been used as a rat-run,

Then there is unfortunately the possibility that it has become, by usage, a right of way for road users - and that the motorists may be in the right. Ownership of the land is irrelevant in this case.

[buildersmate]

Would have to occur for over 20 years for this to happen, Dzug