Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Rejected
Encourage and support more local authorities to implement lane rental schemes without Secretary of State approval.
Recommendation
Lane rental schemes have worked well and can be a useful tool for authorities to manage disruption on their busiest stretches of roads. The Department for Transport should go further to encourage and support more local authorities to set up lane rental schemes by allowing all relevant authorities to do so without the need for approval from the Secretary of State. Lane rental guidance from the Department should also encourage schemes that are set up in such a way as to incentivise the speedy completion of works, rather than imposing charges straight away. (Recommendation, Paragraph 81) 34
Government Response Summary
The government rejects allowing all local authorities to set up lane rental schemes without Secretary of State approval, citing risks of inconsistency, fragmentation, and potential cost increases for consumers. However, it notes it has consulted on devolving approval powers specifically to Mayoral Combined Authorities and will publish results in due course.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
We are committed to reduce disruption from street works and improve the efficiency of our road networks. Lane rental is an important tool to help HAs reduce the impact of works taking place on the busiest roads at the busiest times. These schemes allow authorities to charge utilities up to £2,500 per day for works on these roads. These charges act as an incentive to minimise disruption and congestion by incentivising undertakers to carry out works outside of the busiest times on traffic-sensitive roads and to carry out works on different locations. Evaluation evidence produced by LAs of existing schemes suggests that lane rental can encourage those planning works to take a more strategic approach, and has shown effectiveness in minimising disruption on the busiest roads at the busiest times. However, it is important to recognise that lane rentals are not suitable for every area. Many local authorities do not experience the levels of congestion necessary to justify the administrative and financial burden of operating such a scheme. While we remain committed to empowering local authorities, we must be mindful that there is a risk that extending lane rental powers universally could lead to an inconsistent and fragmented approach across the country. Lane rental is a tool to reduce disruption on the busiest roads; it is not designed to be a revenue generator. Poorly targeted schemes would fail to reduce congestion and would increase costs for utility companies, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers. The Government does however recognise the value of empowering local leaders and that is why we consulted on devolving approval powers for lane rentals to Mayoral Combined Authorities. We will be publishing the results of this consultation and next steps in due course, as part of our broader commitment to supporting smarter, more responsive street works management.