Charges for peak time roadworks may reduce holdups for drivers

A Lane Rental Scheme could introduce charges for working on the busiest roads at the busiest times

The number of holdups drivers experience due to roadworks at busy times on Oxfordshire’s roads could be reduced, if a new scheme gets government approval.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme.   This would allow them to charge organisations working on the county’s busiest roads at the busiest times.

Utilities and other companies who close roads would be encouraged to minimise congestion and disruption, or face financial penalties of up to £2,500 a day.

It’s hoped the Lane Rental Scheme would result in companies prioritising their work into off-peak hours, with this completed as quickly as possible, so as to reduce costs.

Any surplus money raised by the council would be used to help manage and improve the highway network.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We know only too well that roadworks during peak hours can have a huge impact on Oxfordshire’s road network. LRS would put the onus on the organisation causing the disruption to plan their projects carefully and consider other road users or face financial penalties.

“Only a handful of other authorities around the country have adopted this, so Oxfordshire County Council would be at the forefront of this policy, which has already successfully led to behaviour change from those carrying out roadworks in other parts of the country.”

Since 2020 the council has been operating a permit scheme for road and street works.   They receive around 30,000 requests a year.

The County Council’s own highways maintenance team would be exempt from Lane Rental Scheme charges.

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Published: 21/06/2023 12:38pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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