"Wiltshire Council as the Highway Authority is now seeking to develop a holistic approach that addresses Policy 6a and 6b of the Management Plan. To this end we are now looking to consult with user groups and interested parties for their views on what measures they feel would be appropriate and proportionate to address the problems being experienced.(with regards to the byways close to Stonehenge)"
Through a Freedom of Information request Simon Banton has elicited the responses, the full versions are here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/stonehenge_byways_consultee_resp
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Below is a summary by Grok of the responses from organizations consulted by Wiltshire Council regarding the Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) around Stonehenge. Each section details what the respondent commented on, their recommendations, and an assessment of how their observations relate to the legal right to pass and repass along a right of way versus nuisances caused by potentially illegal activities. The responses are aligned with the council's aim to address Policies 6a and 6b of the Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites World Heritage Site (WHS) Management Plan, which focus on reducing negative impacts from traffic and managing vehicular access to protect archaeology, improve safety, and encourage exploration while maintaining access for essential vehicles.
1. National Trust
- Comments:
- Highlighted damage from motor vehicles on BOATs 11 and 12, including erosion and physical damage to archaeological sites, adversely affecting the WHS's Outstanding Universal Value and the settings of Scheduled Monuments.
- Noted that climate change exacerbates vehicle-related degradation due to wetter conditions.
- Cited impacts on tranquility and the experience of walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, with examples like a burnt-out bus, latrine pits, and fly-tipping on BOAT 12.
- Recommendation:
- Permanently prohibit motor vehicles on the BOATs to protect the WHS and enhance safety and enjoyment for non-motorized users.
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: The concerns about erosion and archaeological damage stem directly from lawful vehicle use, justifying potential changes to access rights.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: Fly-tipping, latrine pits, and the burnt-out bus are illegal activities that could be addressed through enforcement rather than altering access rights.
2. English Heritage
- Comments:
- Described operational challenges on Byway 12, including staff facing verbal abuse, trespassing, and managing illegal traders, fly-tipping, and human waste, which have decreased during temporary closures.
- Noted safety risks from vehicles accessing the C506, speeding toward the Visitor Centre, and unauthorized drone activity originating from Byway 12.
- Highlighted security concerns, including counter-terrorism risks due to easy vehicle access, and impacts on visitor experience from parked vehicles obstructing views of the Cursus and Cursus Barrows.
- Recommendation:
- Redesignate byways as "green" demotorized byways or close the section of Byway 12 south of the monument connecting to the A303 with hostile vehicle mitigation.
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Safety hazards (e.g., speeding vehicles) and view obstruction are tied to lawful vehicle use, supporting changes to access rights.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: Trespassing, fly-tipping, illegal trading, and drone activity are illegal and could be managed separately through enforcement.
3. Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF)
- Comments:
- Argued that roads and motorcycle traffic have cultural heritage value integral to the WHS, unrecognized by the Management Plan.
- Claimed no evidence exists of motorcycle damage to archaeology beneath byways, asserting low traffic volumes based on prior inquiries and research.
- Suggested concerns focus on caravans, not motorcycles, and criticized the use of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) over Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).
- Recommendation:
- Oppose restrictions on motorcycles unless evidence proves damage; advocate for collaborative management to preserve motorcycling heritage.
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Directly addresses the right of motorcyclists to use BOATs, arguing against restrictions on lawful use.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: References to caravan-related issues suggest some problems may stem from illegal or misuse activities, though TRF focuses on lawful motorcycle use.
4. Green Lane Association (GLASS)
- Comments:
- Emphasized the cultural heritage of motoring on unsealed roads, asserting recreational use by members is sustainable and consistent with historical use.
- Noted issues with extraordinary traffic (e.g., long-term parking, camping, unsuitable vehicles), causing littering and damage, often to avoid English Heritage fees.
- Argued byway traffic impact is minimal compared to the A303 and criticized past maintenance with unsuitable materials.
- Recommendation:
- Manage access with measures like parking restrictions, width restrictions, or permits, rather than banning vehicles, to balance use and preservation.
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Focuses on preserving lawful vehicle access while addressing management, directly tied to access rights.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: Long-term parking and camping are likely illegal or misuse, suggesting these could be tackled separately from lawful use.
5. Byways and Bridleways Trust
- Comments:
- Expressed concern over the lack of evidence for vehicle management and exclusion of cyclists and equestrians from Policies 6a and 6b.
- Highlighted safety issues at the A303 crossing on Byway 12, with no safe crossing, and connectivity gaps (e.g., Byway 11, Bridleway 10).
- Noted unauthorized camping as a primary issue, suggesting PSPOs over TROs, and criticized broad solstice TROs banning cycles and horses.
- Recommendation:
- Use PSPOs for camping; improve safety with crossings (e.g., Pegasus crossing) and new routes connecting Byway 11, 12, and Bridleway 10 for non-motorized users.
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Safety and connectivity issues relate to lawful use by all users, supporting adjustments to access rights.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: Unauthorized camping is an illegal activity better addressed through targeted measures like PSPOs.
6. British Horse Society (BHS)
- Comments:
- Reported illegal parking by campervans on the Druid’s Lodge byway and safety hazards at the A303 crossing, including accidents and near-misses.
- Noted motorcyclists use byways without camping, unlike four-wheeled vehicles causing disruption.
- Recommendation:
- Reclassify byways as Restricted Byways or close to four-wheeled vehicles; create new non-vehicular routes (e.g., connecting Druid’s Lodge to Springbottom Farm and Strangways).
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Proposals to limit vehicle types and enhance non-vehicular access directly affect lawful use rights.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: Illegal parking and camping are separate issues that could be enforced without changing access rights.
7. Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police
- Comments:
- Recognized impacts from vehicle use on BOATs, noting temporary closure aids repairs without apparent negative community impact.
- Stressed avoiding disproportionate effects on communities or cultural celebrations.
- Recommendation:
- Extend the temporary closure as a test, consult communities, and explore management options (e.g., allowing horses but not cars).
- Relevance to Right to Pass and Repass vs. Illegal Actions:
- Relevant to Right to Pass and Repass: Suggests a trial affecting vehicle access rights, directly tied to lawful use management.
- Nuisances from Illegal Actions: No specific mention of illegal activities, focusing instead on lawful use impacts.
Additional Notes
- Organizations That Responded: From the list provided, responses were received from National Trust, English Heritage, Trail Riders Fellowship, Green Lane Association, Byways and Bridleways Trust, British Horse Society, and the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police. Non-respondents included Wiltshire & Swindon Countryside Access Forum, British Driving Society, Open Space Society, Road Haulage Association, and Fleet Transport Association. The Ramblers responded, but their response is not detailed in the document.
- Council Actions: The document does not provide a summary, précis, action plan, or policy derived by Wiltshire Council as of 30/04/2025, suggesting these are still under consideration.
Conclusion
Most respondents’ observations blend issues tied to the lawful right to pass and repass (e.g., erosion, safety, archaeological damage from vehicle use) with nuisances from illegal actions (e.g., fly-tipping, unauthorized camping). Recommendations range from outright vehicle bans (National Trust, English Heritage) to nuanced management preserving access (TRF, GLASS), with others (BHS, Byways Trust) advocating for safety and connectivity enhancements. The council must distinguish between lawful use impacts requiring access changes and illegal activities manageable through enforcement to craft a balanced approach.
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