Thank you for allowing some motorised users of the Ridgeway to put their point of view in the debate over the proposals for restricting traffic on the Ridgeway.
However, I would like to correct the statement in your report that, "Through a quirk in the law...it is now legal for all taxed and insured vehicles to use the route" as though this were some recent discovery.
The right to use vehicles on the King's (or Queen's) Highway has been in Common Law since the accession of King Richard I in 1189.
'Vehicles' refers to wheeled conveyances whether drawn by ass, oxen, horse or internal combustion engine probably steam powered as well.
Further, these rights are protected by the maxim "Once a highway, always a highway", which is also enshrined in Common Law. They cannot be removed except by Act of Parliament or an Order in Council.
Traffic Restriction Orders are a comparatively recent device, since about 1945, for specific and temporary purposes, usually for road maintenance.
It would suggest that whoever made the statement you quoted needs a refresher course in English history and modern law.
Brian Freegard
Glevum Close
Purton
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