There will be changes to recycling and waste collections over Easter. Find out more and check your collection days.

Introduction

information

We are reviewing the way we authorise motor events on public rights of way. This page will be updated with any changes that come out of the review.

To hold a motor vehicle event (motorcycle trial or car rally) on any public right of way, you must ask us for consent. Written consent is required from all landowners as well as adequate insurance.

Consent for motor vehicle events is given under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If the organisers fail to meet their obligations under the Act or the certificate of consent, we may withdraw our consent.

We charge £25 per hour for officer time.

Applying

Applications must be submitted with all accompanying documents, no later than 3 months before the date of the proposed event. Late applications cannot be guaranteed to be determined in time. Anyone can apply for consent as long as they can provide evidence of written consent from all landowners affected, have adequate insurance and adhere to the conditions of consent.

To apply, fill in the application form and return it with completed landowner consent forms and a cheque to cover administration charges to the address given on the form. Where other people are affected, please get them to fill in the consent form and attach this to your application. You can find the forms in the downloads section.

Your application will be processed and local consultation will be considered as required. Applications are usually determined within 4 to 6 weeks. If your application is approved, we will send you a certificate of consent setting out the conditions that you must comply with.

Signing and stewarding of the event is the responsibility of the organiser.

More information

If you have an objection to an authorised event, contact us. We will deal with objections case-by-case.

Organisers of motor vehicle events will be held responsible for any damage to the public rights of way used and any adjoining structures or signage. All vehicles participating in the event must have Third Party insurance. Adequate signing and stewarding is required to warn users of the public rights of way of the event, particularly at junctions of paths with roads.

The organiser must be able to indemnify us against any legal liability for any claims arising from the authorisation, as well as any expenses incurred in defending such a claim.

Explore Somerset – view the network and associated assets

Last reviewed: February 15, 2024 by Qi

Next review due: August 15, 2024

Back to top