28 August 2011

Capital to see lane rental by early 2012

Lane rental, a key part of Boris Johnson's assault on traffic congestion in the capital, is set to come to London early next year.

The Mayor has been fighting for the right to charge utility companies to dig up roads during peak times to combat congestion and the Government this week introduced legislation enabling such schemes. Transport for London (TfL) has begun a consultation on proposals for lane rental in the capital which should allow such a scheme to be introduced by early 2012.

Lane rental provides a financial incentive for road works to be carried out more quickly and at the least disruptive times of day because utilities are charged for digging up roads during peak times. Lane rental follows the Mayor's introduction of a permit scheme for utility companies carrying out works which has enabled TfL to oversee increased coordination, reducing unnecessary roadworks.

Revenue from the scheme would contribute to a roadworks innovation fund jointly overseen by TfL and the major utility companies, helping develop new ways to cut road work times. New technologies funded through this money - such as quick curing materials and improved plating techniques - will also allow roads to return to normal use more rapidly.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Lane rental will offer a powerful incentive for utility companies in London to ensure they complete their work as quickly as possible.

"We will also spend the money raised from lane rental charges on developing new technologies that aim to help utility companies and highway authorities work in ways that will cause far less disruption for road users."