Government proposes amendments to Private Roads Act

On 2 July 2026, the Government submitted to Parliament its proposal for amending the Private Roads Act. The amendments would simplify the administration and operations of private road maintenance associations, strengthen road shareholders' protection under the law and promote road safety on private roads. More broadly, their aim is to clarify, specify and harmonise certain provisions of the Private Roads Act.

The amendments concern issues such as lateral clearance areas and buffer zones of private roads, appeals against road charging, the administration of private road maintenance associations, road shareholders’ right of access to information, the jurisdiction of a private road survey, and the placing of public utility cables and equipment in road areas. A section to reduce possible ambiguities in interpretation would be added to the Private Roads Act, according to which a private road also includes a ferry with its quays and fairways. The draft proposal has been modified and clarified in line with the views received during the public consultation.

Private roads are important to rural settlements and businesses

The current Private Roads Act entered into force at the start of 2019. The act clarified the responsibilities related to the construction, maintenance and use of private roads. Based on feedback from stakeholders, in spring 2025 the Ministry of Transport and Communications prepared an assessment memorandum on the need for amendments to the Private Roads Act and launched a legislative project to amend it.

Private roads form a large part of Finland's road network. They are especially important for business and industry transport and rural settlements. Private roads also have a role in ensuring society's operational capacity and security of supply. The government proposal will contribute to securing the mobility of business and industry and the people living along private roads.

What’s next?

The act is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2027.

Inquiries:

Laura Rantanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 175, [email protected]