Measures to cut the number of rush hour road works were announced today by the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

Under ‘lane rental’ schemes councils would be able to charge utility companies to dig 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, "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The Department for Transport has today published a consultation and draft guidance to councils outlining how lane rental schemes could be implemented.
Click here to view the consultation