§ Mark TamiTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he gives to local authorities regarding the adoption of(a) unadopted and (b) un-made roads. [70397]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
My Department does not give formal guidance to local authorities regarding the adoption of unadopted or unmade roads. However, the governing legislation applying to the adoption of unadopted roads is contained in sections 205–218 of the Highways Act 1980. Any decision to adopt these roads which are not highways maintainable at the public expense is a matter for the local highway authority.
§ Mark TamiTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he provides to local authorities regarding the provision of services to properties located on unadopted roads. [70398]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
The Government do not provide any specific guidance to local authorities relating to waste collection or street cleaning on unadopted roads.
345WHowever, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty on each waste collection authority to arrange for the collection of household waste in its area, except where the waste is situated at a place which, in the opinion of the authority, is so isolated or inaccessible that the cost of collecting it would be unreasonably high.
The Act also puts a duty on local authorities and statutory undertakers to keep their relevant land, including roads, clear of litter and refuse. However, this duty does not apply to unadopted roads as they are not 'relevant land' as specified under section 86 of the Act. The clearance of litter on these roads is therefore the responsibility of the residents on that road.