To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made on the effect on the quality of life in rural communities of standards of roads and levels of road usage; and if she will make a statement. (172400)

[holding answer 10 December 2007]: Local highways in England are the responsibility of local highways authorities, and it is generally for them to determine standards of service and priorities. The Department's Guidance on Local Transport Plans (LTPs) for the period 2006 to 2011 indicated that in preparing their plans local authorities should consider how they could improve quality of life in their communities, including in rural areas. Authorities have been asked to assess progress in implementing their plans during 2008-09.