Question

Why were landowners responsible for road repairs? They knew their land and could best keep up with it. They had the wealth to repair it. The government paid them for the repairs. They refused to allow others to take care of it.

Answer 1

Landowners were responsible to repair because everyone thought they might want to keep it nice . And did not want others to fix it because they were afraid  of losing it due to the regulations from that time.  Land was used mostly for agriculture and the families had large number of members so the crop could be pick up on time at ripening.

Answer 2

Landowners were responsible for road repairs as they had the wealth to repair it, which is presumed by the simple fact of owning a plot of land. In fact, the right of property brings as an obligation the constitution and maintenance of right of way in cases where it is necessary.