[Talk-GB] Private roads that are private for maintenance but are publicly accessible

[Craig Wallace]

On 26/05/2010 12:12, Ian Spencer wrote:
> Hi
>
> I noticed that a local road which is private is designated as
> access::private on OSM. My reading of that tag is that it implies users
> need permission to use the road. However, in common with many private
> roads, it is in private maintenance, but it is public access - they have
> never tried to restrict public access, nor is the "private" sign
> anything other than a statement that the road is private, it does not
> say, for example :Private, no entry". As far as any user is concerned,
> they can treat it as a normal road.
>
> I suppose the appropriate thing is to change access yes (or whatever the
> normal state is), and then add a note to ensure it is not re-instated.
> Does that sound right?

access=yes means the public have a legal right of access, ie its a right 
of way for all traffic.
It sounds like that's not the case here. The owner could probably 
restrict access to the road if they wanted to.

Probably better to tag it as access=permissive, ie "the owner gives 
general permission for access".


Craig