Sheep to be given right of way across Yorkshire under new highways plan

A new highways initiative set to be rolled out across parts of Yorkshire will prioritise livestock on rural roads, with sheep officially granted right of way in designated areas.

The proposal, announced alongside wider investment in highways and rural infrastructure, forms part of a broader effort to support farming communities and improve safety on country roads. It is expected to see updated signage, revised guidance for drivers, and targeted improvements in areas where livestock movements are most common.

The scheme will focus initially on routes through the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where sheep frequently move between fields and across roads as part of day-to-day farming operations.

Councillor Tom Whitfield, Executive Member for Rural Transport, said:

“Our rural road network serves a wide range of users, from residents and visitors to farmers and their livestock. This initiative recognises the importance of agriculture to Yorkshire and ensures that our highways work for everyone who relies on them.

“We are introducing clearer guidance and improved signage so that drivers can better anticipate livestock movements and travel safely through these areas.”

The plan includes the installation of new “livestock priority zone” signs, alongside refreshed road markings and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing collisions involving animals. Data-led assessments and feedback from local farmers have been used to identify the routes where the measures will be introduced first.

Officials say the changes build on existing investment in highways maintenance, which has seen increased funding directed towards rural roads, drainage, and safety improvements. As with other elements of the programme, further locations may be added over time as part of a longer-term strategy.

A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Rural Partnership added:

“Sheep are a vital part of our landscape and our economy. Giving them clearer priority on the roads they regularly cross is a practical step that reflects the realities of rural life.”

Drivers are being encouraged to take extra care when travelling through marked zones, with reduced speeds and increased awareness expected to play a key role in the success of the scheme.

Further details on the rollout, which starts on 1st April 2026, will include fully mapped locations of livestock priority routes and will be available from the Yorkshire Highways Authority.