ROAD MANAGEMENT ACT 2004 (NO 12 OF 2004) - SECT 4 Object of Act

ROAD MANAGEMENT ACT 2004 (NO 12 OF 2004) - SECT 4

    (1)     The primary object of this Act is to establish a coordinated management system that will promote safe and efficient road networks at State and local levels and the responsible use of road reserves for other legitimate purposes.

    (2)     In seeking to achieve the primary object, this Act—

        (a)     sets out general rights of roads users;

        (b)     establishes a system for the management of safe and efficient public roads that best meet the needs and priorities of State and local communities;

        (c)     establishes a system of classification for roads and sets clear principles about the division of responsibilities between State and local road authorities;

        (d)     provides mechanisms for coordinating the placement and maintenance of infrastructure on road reserves, and the carrying out of related works, so as to—

              (i)     minimise interference with road use;

              (ii)     facilitate the effective and efficient provision of utility services;

              (iii)     minimise interference with other infrastructure and the provision of utility services;

        (e)     provides for the keeping of registers of public roads which register those roads which must be constructed, maintained and managed by road authorities;

        (f)     establishes decision-making processes in relation to standards for the construction, inspection, maintenance and repair of State and municipal roads which take into account—

              (i)     the needs and expectations of the relevant communities; and

              (ii)     national, State and local government transport and other policies; and

              (iii)     the available funding within the context of the whole range of responsibilities of road authorities;

        (g)     sets out the powers and duties of road authorities to manage roads, the duties of infrastructure managers which install and maintain infrastructure on roads and the duties of works managers which carry out works on roads;

        (h)     confers adequate operational powers and imposes corresponding accountability on road authorities in relation to the management of roads;

              (i)     enables Codes of Practice to be made that give practical guidance in relation to the exercise of these powers, functions and duties;

        (j)     clarifies the law relating to civil liability for the management of public roads and other roads;

        (k)     provides for the protection of roads against damage and interference.