Fencing
- No fencing of any kind may be constructed to encroach into the width of a public right of way.
- Warning signs must be displayed at regular intervals where electric fencing is used. If a temporary electric fence needs to cross the line of a public footpath, insulated handles must be provided to allow people to pass through and continue along the legal line of the path.
- Electric fencing must not be installed across or adjacent to bridleways, restricted byways or byways open to all traffic as it presents a serious hazard to horses.
- Barbed wire should be covered, or barbs removed, near structures such as stiles and gates.
- Where it is alongside a public right of way, barbed wire should be fixed on the far side of the posts, facing away from the path.
- Barbed wire or any other metal structure that is not part of a fence (for example, handrail on a bridge) should not be electrified.
I think it depends on where the footpath is. I just read that cross field footpaths need to be a minimum of 1 metre wide. Bridleways need to be a minimum of 2 metres wide. 5' = ~ 1.5 metres.I think a footpath needs to be 5' wide & have warning signs every 50 yards .