Whenever you see the signs that announce roadworks, especially those during peak periods, your heart sinks. Whether it’s a busy area or not, roadworks that take place during the day will invariably lead to traffic problems and congestion; more so on major routes.
Since 2018, this scheme has been rolled out nationwide. It is now known as the Lane Rental Scheme and comes under the UK Government Plan for drivers, encouraging smoother journeys for all road users. The Lane Rental Scheme now also been updated since its initial roll out to give guidance and advice to support the uptake of lane rental by those who need to undertake works on the highway network. This includes:
• advice on joint lane rental schemes
• updates to cost-benefit analysis requirements
• and other updates to help reduce the administrative burden for applications to operate lane rental
The Street works: fines and lane rental surplus funds consultation was also introduced on 15 January 2024. This concluded in March 2024 with suggestions to focus on:
Increase in Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
Suggested for specific street works offences:
• Failing to send work start-stop notices on time
• Failing to send notice of reinstatement completion on time
• Working without a permit
• Breaching permit conditions
Allocation of Surplus Lane Rental Funds
At least 50% of any surplus funds gained by lane rental schemes by local highway authorities should be dedicated to pothole repair.
Application of Overrun Charges
Proposals to extend overrun charges to include weekends and bank holidays, ensuring that works are completed promptly and minimising disruption during peak travel times.
The UK Government have approved these proposals and will amend existing regulations and update relevant codes of practice and statutory guidance.