7. (1) The Rural Roads Authority shall have responsibility for the management, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of rural roads.
 
(2) For the purpose of discharging the responsibility described in subsection (1) above the Rural Roads Authority shall have the following functions and duties -

(a) constructing, upgrading, rehabilitating and maintaining roads under its control;

(b) controlling reserves for rural roads and access to roadside developments;

(c) implementing road policies in relation to rural roads;

(d) ensuring adherence by motorists to the rules and guidelines on axle load control prescribed under the Traffic Act or any regulations under this Act;

(e) ensuring that the quality of road works is in accordance with such standards as may be defined by the Minister;

(f) in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for transport and the Police Department, overseeing the management of traffic on rural roads and issues related to road safety;

(g) collecting and collating all such data related to the use of rural roads as may be necessary for efficient forward planning under this Act;

(h) monitoring and evaluating the use of rural roads;

(i) planning the development and maintenance of rural roads;

(j) liaising and co-ordinating with other  authorities in planning and operations in respect of roads;

(k) preparing the road work programmes for all rural roads;

(l) advising the Minister on all issues relating to rural roads; and

(m) performing such other functions related to the implementation of this Act as may be directed by the Minister.