Lambeth Council is introducing a new Lane Rental Scheme to reduce the disruption caused by street and road works in high-traffic areas – and also working with Transport for London (TfL) to speed up bus journeys through the borough.
The UK Department of Transport (DfT) has given Lambeth the green light to implement a Lane Rental Scheme, enabling the council to charge companies for carrying out roadworks during traffic-sensitive times.
Lambeth will be one of the first London boroughs to enact the scheme, which aims to reduce disruption by incentivising organisations like utility companies to carry out works when roads are less busy.
This will also encourage companies to reduce the duration of works and tackle areas of the borough where there are high levels of unplanned work.
From April, the council will be able to charge up to £2,500 per day to work on selected traffic-sensitive streets – and up to £350 a day for work on selected footways.
A proportion of surplus charges under the Scheme will be put back into highway maintenance work, including repairing potholes and making improvements on Lambeth roads.
The scheme, developed jointly with TfL and Camden, Enfield and Merton councils, will apply to 15.9% of Lambeth’s road network.
Lambeth Council deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, Rezina Chowdhury, said: “We’re serious about tackling congestion and making sustainable travel a safe, quick and reliable option for everyone in Lambeth.
“Roadworks at peak times can cause huge disruption and congestion, our Lane Rental Scheme will tackle this by encouraging companies to carry out works at times that have the least impact on our residents and businesses.
“Buses are an essential service, especially in areas of the borough that other public transport doesn’t reach, and we share the Mayor’s commitment to get buses moving faster across the city.
“Our new priority corridors will create a safer and more welcoming environment – not just for bus passengers, but also for people walking, wheeling and cycling on these vital routes.”
