Key:prow_ref
 prow_ref
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 |
| Description |
|---|
The reference number for Public Rights of Way (United Kingdom), as held by the Local Authority. 
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| Group: references |
| Used on these elements |
    |
| Requires |
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highway=* |
| Useful combination |
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| Status: in use |
| Tools for this tag |
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prow_ref=* is used to tag the reference number (or alphanumeric code) for Public Rights of Way in England and Wales (parts of the United Kingdom). prow_ref is used as it is mainly used for administrative purposes, and it may not signed on the ground. This usage also avoids any potential conflict when the right of way also follows a numbered road. These reference numbers are held by the relevant Local Authority and are starting to be released as Open Data. Many will be widely known by local footpath and ramblers societies, and others can be ascertained from legal diversion notices.
See also:
Format
A discussion on talk-gb mailing list in March 2013 seemed to end with this suggestion - namely (but read full message/thread):
I would suggest going for the "Ashleyhay FP 3" format as a default for the prow_ref key (i.e. parish name, two-letter type abbreviation, path number without leading zeros).
Numbering of PRoWs was usually done by civil parish, and a number might be used more than once across the different classes of PRoWs, so all three elements are normally needed. Some local authorities may use numbering schemes that are not suitable for this format, so check the local convention when adding prow_ref=* tags.
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are based on a quick look at what has been used already in taginfo.
| PRoW type | Designation tag | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Public Footpath | designation=public_footpath | FP |
| Public Bridleway | designation=public_bridleway | BR or BW |
| Byway Open to All Traffic
(or just Byway) |
designation=byway_open_to_all_traffic | BY, BW, or BOAT |
| Restricted Byway | designation=restricted_byway | RB |
Note that the abbreviation "BW" can mean either Public Bridleway or Byway Open to All Traffic, depending on local authority, but must only refer to one designation type in that local authority's area.
How to map
The prow_ref=* tag should only be used on a public right of way. A public right of way may be tagged as a way 
or a relation 
of multiple highways. Below is an example of how prow_ref=* is used as part of a public right of way:
- highway=footway
- designation=public_footpath
- prow_ref=Example FP 1
- lit=no
- surface=grass
- trail_visibility=good