Counters installed to improve North Somerset’s public rights of way

8:30am - 15 November 2023
A photograph of a gate on a Public Rights of Way with a green box fixed to the post

North Somerset Council has installed devices to count the number of people using its public rights of way across the area. Throughout North Somerset there are over 500 miles of public rights of way. The new counters will provide a simple and effective way of monitoring usage and are a great investment for gathering information which will be used to tailor the council’s maintenance programme, prioritising the routes that are used the most.

15 counters have been strategically placed on various public rights of way. Public rights of way include footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths and provide a safe alternative to increasingly busy roads and lanes while encouraging enjoyment of the natural environment. The council is committed to continuously improving and maintaining these spaces for everyone’s use.

The public rights of way counters will:

  • Monitor public response to route improvements: footfall data will demonstrate whether improvements in accessibility and the promotion of the network result in changes in use on improved routes.
  • Enable data-driven decisions: make informed decisions and resource allocation based on precise foot traffic data.
  • Be cost-efficient: the counters are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance, offering a long-lasting solution for rights of way management.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “The new counters will provide us with vital user information to help us manage and maintain our public rights of way. This project aligns with our vision of creating accessible and safe public rights of way ensuring visitors and residents can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of large parts of our countryside while promoting health through exercise and leisure and all while helping reduce carbon emissions. We’ve been able to deliver this exciting project thanks to funding from National Grid and UKSPF.”

The project, which cost £16,500, was jointly funded by North Somerset Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and National Grid.

For more information about North Somerset Council’s public rights of way, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/publicrightsofway