Ban unsafe barbed wire fencing alongside public rights of way
We call on the Government to introduce legislation prohibiting the installation of new barbed wire fencing immediately adjacent to public rights of way, including footpaths, bridleways and byways.
Signatures
8
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 8/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 8/100,000
- 06 JUL 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Emma Edwards
Background
We also call on the Government to require that where existing barbed wire fencing alongside public rights of way becomes damaged, collapsed or requires replacement, it must be repaired using safer alternatives rather than new barbed wire.
We believe current laws do not provide sufficient protection from foreseeable injuries caused by hazardous fencing positioned next to routes regularly used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, children and dogs. Poorly maintained fencing can cause serious and avoidable harm to people, pets, livestock and wildlife.
The law should better protect public safety while allowing landowners to secure their land using safer fencing options.