Councils could have the power to introduce new ‘super permits’ for utility companies operating on the most congested routes to help improve the management of roadworks.

 

The suggestion is one of four outlined in new Government proposals to reduce delays for drivers affected by openings in the highway.

 

Super permits would be used to deliver the aims and benefits of lane rental schemes which impose charges of up to £2500 a day for work caried out on the busiest streets at the busiest times. Lane rental has been trialled in London since 2012 and Kent since 2013 and is said to have reduced congestion caused by utility works by more than half.

 

Companies who carry out works at evenings and weekends or co-ordinate their activities with other firms could avoid the charges. Revenue raised in London in one year from lane rental came to £4.8M, including £1.7M from Transport for London’s own works. Kent raised £1.1M in revenue in one year, including £200,000 from its own works.

 

Most local authorities use permit schemes to monitor roadworks, but lane rental would give councils additional powers. The first of four options under consideration is to do nothing, meaning that the current lane rental schemes in London and Kent would end in March 2019, leaving permit schemes as the main way to manage roadworks.

 

Another option is to retain lane rental in London and Kent, and a third would see lane rental rolled out to other local authority areas. A fourth option would see the addition of the new super permits for work on the most congested roads. All three of these options would require amendments to secondary legislation, which could take up to a year. Development of super permits could take a further 18 months before trials are conducted.  

 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “These proposals would give councils greater powers to ensure utility companies avoid carrying out works at the busiest times and on the most popular routes.” Consultation on the proposals closes in eight weeks.

 

Transport for London’s managing director of surface transport Leon Daniels said: “We are delighted about plans to extend the lane rental scheme nationally. It has been a resounding success in the capital.”

 

Local Government Association representative Martin Tett said: “We have been calling for lane rental powers for councils for a number of years. We’re confident these new measures will help minimise delays from roadworks and keep traffic moving on our local roads.”

 

But the National Joint Utilities Group chief executive Bob Gallienne said: “Lane rental schemes make it harder for utilities companies to deliver vital infrastructure and value for money for consumers while minimising disrution.”