Anne Main MP: “Highways adoption is a pressing concern nationwide”

Anne Main has highlighted the issue of un-adopted roads in Hertfordshire in a Parliamentary debate this week. Anne has met with numerous constituents who have raised this issue and is aware that her local authority is concerned about the problem. Speaking about the reasons for the debate she said,

“I called the debate because my council wants action. Hertfordshire recognises that we in Parliament need to help it. Hertfordshire County Council were keen that MPs address the issue of altering legislation to tackle the problem of un-adopted roads. This is an issue that my constituents repeatedly raised with me during the recent General Election Campaign.”

During the speech Anne outlined the problems of local residents. Un-adopted roads are a particular issue in Hertfordshire whose residents are frequently unaware of the status of their roads until a problem arises. She went onto highlight the cases of constituents who had bought homes on local developments after being assured that their road was being considered for adoption, yet even years later the process had yet to begin. Anne highlighted the fact that residents on un-adopted roads are left in the unfair position where they pay significant amounts of council tax for services they cannot receive.

Anne pressed the Minister to help with this ongoing national issue, recounting how Councils had informed her that all parties desperately needed more clarity.

Speaking outside the chamber after the debate Anne said,

“I am glad that the Minister has agreed to my request to meet with representatives of Hertfordshire County Council and other authorities to discuss this in more depth. I hope that we can find a speedy resolution to this ongoing problem and that developers will be brought to heel on the matter.

I am also pleased that the Minister is considering amending existing legislation in order to prevent developers leaving roads in limbo for many years at a time. I hope that Hertfordshire County Council and other authorities will meet with the Minister in near the future. Un-adopted roads are a problem nationwide. We need to take action now and I am pleased that the minister appeared to be so receptive to working on this problem.”