Consultation in progress on scrapping coastal path byelaws

Wirral Council has begun the legal process for repealing little-known local byelaws dating back some 90 years that effectively prohibited cycling, scooting or horse riding along one of the borough’s most-loved coastal paths.

Byelaws introduced in 1935 restricted a number of behaviours along the then North Wirral Coast Sea Defence Road on the grounds of public nuisance. 

The 6km long stretch of concrete promenade – now known as the North Wirral Coastal Route - runs from Bennets Lane in Meols to Kings Parade in Wallasey and is very popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, scooters and horse riders, who share the space.

However, one of the byelaws introduced 90 years ago means that the path should only really be used by people on foot.

In recent times, that byelaw has justifiably not been enforced, however the restrictions it places on the path does create other legal issues, including around the council’s ability to put up advice and signage to ensure all users of the route are able to do so as safely as possible.

It is felt by scrapping the byelaws and designating the route a ‘Public Bridleway’ this would formalise the ‘shared access’ principle for walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse riders.

It would also connect the route to other public and permissive bridleways in the area and give horse riders better access to the foreshore and the opportunity to ride on the beach more easily.

Members of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council agreed earlier this year to investigate the potential for scrapping the byelaws on the grounds that they are either outdated and not fit for purpose, or include restrictions now covered by other, newer legislation or orders. 

In order to implement any final decision, a Public Path Creation Order needs to be created to make the route a Public Bridleway and part of that process requires a period of statutory consultation with residents.

That process is now underway. To read more about the proposals and complete the survey, visit North Wirral Coastal Route | Have your say Wirral

Any final decision on whether to revoke the existing byelaws and introduce the new Public Path Creation Order will be made by a meeting of full Council, following further approval by the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee.