The Viking Way Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) covering sections of Sewstern Lane and The Drift near Long Bennington has now been fully upheld by the High Court. This is a positive outcome for the Viking Way, for residents, and for everyone who values safe, accessible countryside routes.
The court’s decision confirms that Lincolnshire County Council acted lawfully and responsibly in restricting motor vehicle access to protect this historic route.
Why the TRO matters
Sections of the Viking Way had reached a point where they were:
- Heavily rutted and unsafe, in places up to a metre deep.
- Impassable for walkers, cyclists, and less able users during wet periods.
- Suffering ongoing damage to flora, fauna, and the broader landscape.
The TRO was introduced to stop further deterioration, allow recovery, and support long-term management of an ancient droving road that forms part of the Viking Way.
What the court confirmed
The High Court was clear and decisive:
- The council had a sound evidence base, including site inspections, photographs, and long-term complaints.
- It was lawful to restrict all motor vehicles during recovery, including motorcycles.
- Alternative options, such as permits or seasonal restrictions, were considered correctly and reasonably rejected.
- Improving access for walkers and protecting the character of the route were legitimate uses of powers.
In short, this was a robust and proportionate decision, not an overreach.
A win for local communities and countryside users
This ruling gives confidence that:
- Fragile historic routes can be protected when damage becomes unsustainable.
- Walkers, families, and residents can expect safer, quieter access.
- Environmental recovery can occur without ongoing conflict among user groups.
Importantly, the council has also stated that access arrangements can be reviewed in future once the route is restored and stable. That keeps the focus on management, not permanent exclusion.
Looking ahead
With the legal challenge resolved, attention can now turn to:
- Restoring damaged sections of the route.
- Ongoing maintenance based on condition, not crisis.
- Making sure the Viking Way remains a high-quality asset for residents and visitors alike.
This decision secures the future of a valued local route and confirms that protecting our countryside, when backed by evidence and due process, is the right thing to do.