Enforcement policy
Staffordshire has one of the biggest rights of way networks in the country with over 8,000km of paths.
The vast majority of landowners fulfil their legal duties to keep paths on their land open, safe and accessible by keeping routes clear and maintaining stiles and gates, but some don't. The majority of the 2,000 calls we receive every year is about problems on private paths.
Whilst we are committed to supporting landowners to know about their responsibilities, we also need a way to make sure that everyone plays their part in keeping our network of paths open and safe.
We have introduced an enforcement policy outlining when and how informal or more formal action will be taken against landowners.
Enforcement will only be taken against landowners when they have been given ample opportunity to address any issues.