Government launches 'lane rental' scheme in bid to cut rush hour road works

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Communities

A ‘lane rental’ scheme designed to cut the number of rush hour road works was announced today by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, writes Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson.

Under the initiative, councils would be able to charge utility companies for digging up the busiest roads during peak times. Companies would be able to avoid the charges by carrying out works during quieter periods or, if appropriate, at night.

Philip Hammond said: "Everyone knows how frustrating it can be when you are sat in a traffic jam, unable to get to work or drop off the children at school because someone is digging up the road.

"This disruption is expensive as well as inconvenient, with one estimate valuing the loss to the economy from road works congestion at £4 billion a year. We simply cannot afford this.

The Department for Transport has today published a consultation and draft guidance to councils outlining how lane rental schemes could be implemented.  Councils wishing to put in place a lane rental scheme would need to gain prior approval.

In order to gather evidence on the effectiveness of lane rental, the Department has proposed that schemes should initially be used in one urban and one non-metropolitan area.

Councils are also being encouraged to apply the same principles to their own works and come forward with lane rental schemes which fit the needs of their local area.

Any revenue raised from the implementation of lane rental charges would be used by councils to fund measures which could help to reduce future road works disruption.

The consultation will close on 31st October 2011.

AA president Edmund King said: "It is 20 years since the last roadworks legislation was placed on the statute book and it is about time these provisions were implemented.”

"For too long road users whether using foot, cycle, bus, lorry or car have been bearing the cost of utilities digging up the road via the congestion they cause.

“A large majority of our members (71%) support the need for heavier penalties on utility companies which cause disruption. Anything that can stimulate more efficient working to reduce or eliminate this congestion is welcome and we hope the proposals will be positively received and can be implemented quickly."