Electric Fencing and footpaths what is the law

Sebastian

Member
Location
Dorset
It depends on what you mean by "off footpaths". If it is running alongside a public footpath, then there must be warning signs on the fence.
 

taff

Member
Sorry not very specific basically we have alot of paths running alongside fields that I am tempted to put permanent electric beside in the hope of keeping walkers and there dogs on the paths and out of my fields! How much space do I have to give people if I do it?
 

Sebastian

Member
Location
Dorset
You should check with your council, as the rules seem to differ slightly from county to county, but my googling has found the following:

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.
 

Sebastian

Member
Location
Dorset
I think a footpath needs to be 5' wide & have warning signs every 50 yards .
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.

Or, you could put these signs on the footpath...

anewsimg.ngfiles.com_157000_157898_TresspassersWillBeShot.jpg


They work for me. /joking
 

muppet

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Dorset
When I did a couple of ROW diversions I was told 2m for footpath and 6 for bridlepath. Also stupid things like barb needs to be on the other side of the post from the public
 
Location
Kent
Just been talking about this exact thing to a mate of mine who is our local P.R.O.W (he's a good un, on the farmers side). He says its 1.5 mts but to ensure that the actual footpath is mowed really short then no problems at all.
 

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