Byways in Essex

Public Byway

Byways comprise just 3.8% of our public rights of way network and are open to all types of user: pedestrian, horse rider, cyclist, carriage driver and motorist. You must be aware that if you use these routes in any capacity, you are likely to come across these other users who have a legitimate right to be there. Please respect their use of these byways even if it is different to yours, by being courteous and be prepared to slow down or give way or stop if necessary.

There is often a public perception that a great deal of damage is caused by motorised vehicles and there is always pressure on Highway Authorities to close byways to vehicular users. However our duty as the highway authority does not allow us to close routes without suitable justification. Essex County Council makes every effort to resolve problems including those of surfacing without having to resort to closure, which should only be used when all other measures have failed. Byways cannot be restricted simply because people do not ‘like’ motorised use of the countryside or that they have become a location for antisocial or nuisance behaviour. They are part of the public highway network even if they don’t look exactly like a road!

Using a vehicle on a Byway

Byways are governed by Highways legislation and as such a driver using a byway must adhere to the same laws as if they were on a road.

Before using your vehicle on a byway you must ensure it is:

  • Road worthy – this includes having a valid MoT if one is needed
  • Insured
  • Taxed (Vehicle Excise Duty paid)
  • Showing a visible number plate
  • Driven by someone with the appropriate driving licence

Failure to comply with this may result in Police prosecution.

If you decide to leave the byway and ride or drive where you do not have any rights or permission from a landowner, you might be committing a criminal offence.

Traffic Regulation Orders

You may come across signs showing ‘no motorised traffic’ restricting access to motorised vehicles on some routes. These will be there for a valid reason, either maintenance or possibly protection of flora or fauna.

These maybe temporary, seasonal or possibly permanent. Do not ignore these signs. Please see our list of Long Term TROs on Byways.

Voluntary Restraint

Our byways generally have a natural surface which is more vulnerable to damage during periods of wet weather. Essex County Council request that users voluntarily restrain from using the byways when use could damage the way. This is an informal measure which is supported by LARA (Land Access Recreation Association) to help alleviate specific problems on particular routes. The system should always be supported or upheld by users whether or not they are in recognised clubs.

Vehicular users Code of Practice

This code of practice has been drawn from various sources and in conjunction with various user groups.

  • Use only routes that you know carry vehicular rights. If in doubt check with the Highway Authority.
  • Travel at a safe and appropriate speed for conditions and locations. Voluntary maximum of 20mph.
  • Always give way to others and if appropriate switch off engines.
  • Avoid using routes in times of poor weather when surfaces are more easily damaged.
  • Take care not to damage edges/verges
  • If travelling in a group increase spacing to reduce impact on the terrain.
  • Follow the Countryside Code.

Long term Traffic Regulation Orders on byways

Below is a searchable / filterable list of long term Traffic Regulation Orders on byways

District Byway Numbers Description Grid Ref Details
Basildon Byway 83, Basildon Borwick Lane TQ 743,919 Prohibition of Driving Order
Basildon Byway 150, Basildon Rushbottom Lane TQ 766,900 Prohibition of Driving Order
Braintree Byway 9, Black Notley Snakey Lane, off Witham Road TL 762,197 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Braintree Byway 10, Black Notley Green Lane TL 756,191 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Braintree Byway 13, Black Notley Off Dagnets Lane TL 747,187 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Braintree Byway 1 Little Henny - 13 Middleton Lodge Farm Lane, Little Henny to The Street, Middleton TL865,390 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Braintree Byway 3 Pentlow and Hoe Lane Hoe Lane TL 818,455 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Brentwood Byway 151 Brentwood Hou Hatch, off Lincolns Lane to which the prohibition also applies TQ 560,946 Prohibition of Motor Vehicles, except for access
Brentwood Byway 155/165 Brentwood Green Lane, Pilgrim's Hatch TQ 590,956 Prohibition of Driving Order
Brentwood Byway 164, Brentwood Hulletts Lane, Pilgrim's Hatch TQ 575,962 Prohibition of Driving Order
Chelmsford Byway 113, Great Waltham Connection between B1008 and Cut Throat Lane TL 692,160 Stopping-Up Order plus Prohibition of Driving Order means there is no access for motor vehicles at this point.
Chelmsford Byway 58, Stock The Chaseway TQ 702,977 Prohibition of Driving Order
Chelmsford Byway 97, Writtle Ongar Rd to Victoria Rd TL 658,063 No TRO but this is a dead-end Byway with no through route for vehicles
Epping Forest Byway 12, Epping Upland Epping Long Green TL 443,061 Seasonal Prohibition of Driving (1 November to 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Epping Forest Byway 67, Nazeing Bumbles Green Lane (southern section TL 408,046 Prohibition of Driving Order Motorcycles exempted
Epping Forest Byway 55, Stanford Rivers Colemans Lane TL 530,014 Prohibition of Driving Order. Motorcycles exempted
Epping Forest Byway 61 Willingale Lucas's Lane TL610,055 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Maldon Byway 32, Purleigh Off Roundbush Road TL 848,014 Seasonal Prohibition of Driving (1 October - 31 March)
Maldon Byway 10, Wickham Bishops Handleys Lane TL 847,124 Prohibition of Driving Order
Rochford Byways 5, 8,13,16 & 18 Foulness and
Byway 30, Great Wakering
All Byways on Foulness Island including The Broomway TR 010,913 Subject to closure for military operations at any time
Rochford Byway 2, Rochford The Scrubs TQ 840,900 Prohibition of Driving Order
Uttlesford Byway 24 Broxted -99 Thaxted - 22 Tilty Delfits Lane TL 593,283 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted
Uttlesford Byway 25 Takeley Jacks Lane TL 575,216 Motor vehicle rights extinguished. Reclassified as a Restricted Byway
Uttlesford Byway 100 Wimbish Lower House Farm Lane to Ellis Green TL601,345 Seasonal Prohibtion of Driving Order (1 November - 31 March) Motorcycles exempted