Who should be responsible for coordinating management of open access at a local level?
1. Access authorities are uniquely placed to take a lead on the local management of open access, having: a. a range of powers which, if properly resourced, would enable them to facilitate and manage the new rights; b. a complementary role, in most instances, for managing and improving the local rights of way network; c. extensive experience of managing existing recreational access alongside nature conservation, heritage preservation, sporting and commercial interests; d. in many instances, integrated and complementary responsibilities including transport, leisure, economic development, public safety, nature and heritage conservation; e. experience, in many instances, of advising other public and private interests on facilitating and managing recreational access in the countryside; and f. a local presence and local knowledge. 2. Government should confirm the expectation that access authorities adopt a lead role in managing the new access arrangements locally, publish detailed guidance o
