Public Rights and Private Rights

What are the differences between public rights and private rights?

Be careful to distinguish between public rights of way and private rights of way. The Highway Authority only deals with public rights of way issues and has no involvement in private rights of access, wayleaves, or easements. Different rules and legislation apply and if you are encountering difficulties with private rights you should seek your own legal advice.

How do I tell the difference between public and private rights?

A public right of way is a highway which anybody may use at any time. A right of way usually passes between two highways e.g. a right of passage between a road and a public footpath etc.

Public Rights of Way are usually signed at junctions with roads with a public path sign.

A private right of way is for an individual, or any group other than the public, to gain access to a particular feature e.g. To gain access to a house or a field.