RUSH-hour traffic jams caused by roadworks could soon become a thing of the past as a new scheme is rolled out nationwide.

Lane Rental schemes, which see utility firms charged up to £2,500 a day for digging up busy roads at peak times, can now be adopted by councils across the country after successful trials in the south east.

The Government says the charges incentivise companies to work on quiter roads, or to work outside of peak hours when traffic is at its worst. 

Transport Minister, Jo Johnson, said: “Drivers often see red when roadworks cause them delays, especially if no one is working on them.

“Lane rental has seen a massive drop in disruption to drivers as utility companies have changed when and where they carry out work.

"Now, we want millions of motorists around England to get the same benefits.

"The Department for Transport carried out a consultation into the scheme last year, and the majority of those responding supported its rollout nationwide.

"Many said they wanted to take advantage of the “clear benefits” of lane rental schemes."

Pilot lane rental schemes in London and Kent have seen congestion on the busiest roads drop, saving drivers time and boosting the economy, he added. 


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RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “This is a very welcome announcement.

"Trials showed that some of the worst congestion caused by planned utility works in London was reduced by half on roads where lane rental was in operation, so rolling this out will extend the benefits nationwide.

“While motorists accept that some roadworks and congestion are unavoidable, lengthy and unnecessary queues are incredibly frustrating.

"RAC research suggests congestion on our roads and journey time reliability are growing concerns for motorists so introducing lane rental should encourage better planning and coordination of roadworks, and mean utility works are completed in a swifter, more efficient manner.”

About 2.5 million roadworks are carried out each year, costing the economy £4 billion in increased costs to businesses through late employees or deliveries.

The Department for Transport will produce guidance in the autumn to help councils develop lane rental schemes for approval. The first schemes could start by the end of 2019.