Public rights of way

Definitions of rights of way are set out below:

• Public rights of way are ways over which the public have the right to pass and repass.
• Public footpaths are for pedestrians only.
• Public bridleways are for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.
• Public byways are for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motorised vehicles, subject to the character of the way.

Use this link to the UK Countryside and Nature Conservation website to provide more information on the definition of the different types of public rights of way.

Can I check if a path is a public right of way?

If you wish to check whether a path is a public right of way please contact us. On receipt, we will check the status of the route on the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way. If the route is not recorded as a public right of way it could be a claimed path. If the path is not recorded then we do not have any responsibility to maintain it.

Definitive Map and Statement

The Definitive Map and Statement for Wolverhampton records all public rights of way within the City. The map and statements are maintained by the Council and are regularly reviewed to ensure routes are added, re-graded or deleted as required.  

The Definitive Map and statement are available for inspection at Heantun House, Salop Street during office hours:

Monday to Thursday - 8:30am to 5pm

Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Making changes to the Definitive Map and Statement

If you have evidence that information contained within the Definitive Map and Statement is wrong, changes can be made via a process known as the Definitive Map Modification Order.

Modification orders may be made for the following changes:

• to add a right of way where it is known but not recorded on the map.
• to alter the status of a right of way.
• to delete a right of way where it has been shown on the map in error.
• to record a width in the Definitive Statement.

To apply for a modification order please write to:

Transportation Network Management

Wolverhampton City Council

Heantun House

Salop Street

Woolverhampton

WV3 0SQ

detailing the reasons for the modification request, evidence to show the definitive map and statement is wrong and a location plan.

Wolverhampton City Council currently has no outstanding applications for Definitive Map Modification Orders. if any are received, details will be posted on this page.

Obstruction to Rights of Way?

If you believe a public right of way is being obstructed in any way then please contact us. An obstruction could be:

• overhanging branches or encroaching foliage
• uneven surface
• deliberate obstruction by a third party
• blockage by fly tipping
• or similar problems.