§ Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 relating to the liabilities of householders whose properties are located on road junctions to apportionments for street work arising from both frontages. [10390]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have no plans to review these provisions. As the law stands, it is open to a highway authority to adopt an unadopted street, but the frontagers are legally liable for the cost of any works necessary to bring it up to the required standard first; the charge is normally based on the respective lengths of the frontages of the properties which adjoin the street, though the highway authority may modify such an apportionment by taking into account the degree of likely benefit to individual householders when calculating their apportionments. It also has discretion to contribute towards the costs of the works as a whole or those borne by flank or rear frontages. Properties on private streets may be expected to cost less than they otherwise would, because of the liability for private street works expenses.