Explanatory note

This Order brings into force, on 21 June 2004, sections 18, 20 and 46(1)(a) of, and, insofar as it relates to the repeal of section 193(2) of the Law of Property Act 1925, Part I of Schedule 16 to, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (“the Act”).

Section 18 of the Act enables access authorities to appoint wardens in respect of access land so as to give advice to access users and land owners and to secure compliance with byelaws, with restrictions set out in Schedule 2 to the Act and with any restriction or exclusion imposed under Chapter II of the Act.

Section 20 of the Act imposes a duty on the Countryside Council for Wales (“the CCW”) to issue a code of conduct for the guidance of users of the right of access and persons interested in access land (such as farmers, landowners and commoners). The section also requires the CCW to take such steps as it considers expedient to ensure that the public are informed of the extent, and means, of access to access land and that both the public and persons interested in access land are informed of their rights and obligations under the statutory right of access.

Section 46 of, and Part I of Schedule 16 to, the Act effect repeals consequent on the provisions of Part I of the Act. Section 46(1)(a) of the Act provides for the repeal of section 193(2) of the Law of Property Act 1925 (which allows the owners of common land to execute a deed of dedication so that the common will become subject to the right of access for air and exercise provided for in section 193(1) of the 1925 Act). This power is no longer needed now that the power to dedicate access over land contained in section 16 of the Act is in operation. Section 16 of the Act was commenced on 30 January 2001 by section 103(2) of the Act and The Countryside Access (Dedication of Land as Access Land) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/135) (W.9) provide the procedures for dedicating land.

Article 3 of this Order contains a saving provision to enable existing deeds executed under the 1925 Act to remain in force.