Long traffic jams caused by roadworks could be a thing of the past
as a scheme which has already significantly reduced delays in Kent
and London is rolled out nationwide.
Lane Rental schemes, where utility companies are
charged up to £2,500 a day for digging up the busiest roads at
peak times, could now be adopted by councils nationwide after
successful trials in the South East.
They incentivise firms to work on quieter roads
or outside of rush hour, or even to collaborate with other
companies to stop roads being dug up multiple times, to reduce
the impact of roadworks on drivers.
Pilot lane rental schemes in London and Kent
have seen congestion on the busiest roads drop, saving drivers
time and boosting the economy.
Transport Minister said:
“Drivers often see red when roadworks cause them
delays, especially if no one is working on them.
“Lane rental has seen a massive drop in
disruption to drivers as utility companies have changed when and
where they carry out work. Now we want millions of motorists
around England to get the same benefits.
The Department for Transport carried out a
consultation into the scheme last year, and the majority of those
responding supported its rollout nationwide. Many said they
wanted to take advantage of the “clear benefits” of lane rental
schemes
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes
said:
“This is a very welcome announcement. Trials
showed that some of the worst congestion caused by planned
utility works in London was reduced by half on roads where lane
rental was in operation, so rolling this out will extend the
benefits nationwide.
“While motorists accept that some roadworks and
congestion are unavoidable, lengthy and unnecessary queues are
incredibly frustrating. RAC research suggests congestion on our
roads and journey time reliability are growing concerns for
motorists so introducing lane rental should encourage better
planning and coordination of roadworks, and mean utility works
are completed in a swifter, more efficient manner.”
About 2.5 million roadworks are carried out each
year, costing the economy £4 billion in increased costs to
businesses through late employees or deliveries.
In London, utility companies have worked
together more than 600 times since Lane Rental was introduced in
2015, up from just 100 beforehand.
The Department for Transport will produce
guidance in the autumn to help councils develop lane rental
schemes for approval. The first schemes could start by the end of
2019.
