Warwickshire Direct
E Roads and unclassified county roads
E Roads
The term 'E Road' is generally used by Warwickshire County Council to describe an Unclassified County Road (UCR) that does not have a tarmac surface. Tarmac surfaced UCRs are generally known as 'D Roads'. The surface of E Roads may be stoned, grassy or a combination of both.
E Roads are usually recorded on Ordnance Survey Maps as ORPAs - Other Roads with Public Access and are marked on their 1:2500 scale Explorer maps by green dots.
In general it is presumed that all UCRs (whether they have a tarmac surface or not) carry public pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular rights unless:
- Anyone is able to present strong evidence to show otherwise;
- Following a review of the evidence, the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way shows a lower status; OR
- A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) restricts use - Current list of TRO orders.
Anyone using a vehicle on an E road must have a valid driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and MOT'd (if the vehicle is 3 or more years old). To do otherwise could result in Police action. Users are not 'off-road' and all highway laws apply, the same as if using a tarmac road.
Further details on mini-motorbikes and quad bikes
Waymarkers
E Roads are marked by black and white arrows where they leave a tarmac road. Routes that are not considered to be vehicular through routes are waymarked as leading to either a bridleway or footpath.
Green Lanes
A green lane is a term with no legal meaning. It is frequently used to describe an unsurfaced track, often sunken and with hedges to either side, and usually quite old. The lane may be a footpath, bridleway or carriageway, or it may not be a public right of way at all.
Who to contact
From the 1 April 2011, County Highways are taking over the management of these highways and can be contacted on 01926 412515.
