A new Lane Rental Scheme for overunning roadworks is set to come into force for some roads in Christchurch, Dorset. Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has been given the go-ahead to use new powers to cut delays and congestion by charging for disruption, with the scheme set to get under way in the Spring, says the New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for highways at BCP, said:

“We know just how frustrating roadworks can be for our residents – but we also know how important it is to improve our transport network, infrastructure and maintain and renew essential services. These new powers are a really significant step forward and have been proven to work in other areas across the country.

“I am really pleased that our application has been given the go-ahead and our officers will now get to work on the finer details before they come into effect next spring.”

The fees will apply to both council-led and contractor roadworks in four bands, with the top two bands of £2,500/day for road closures and single lane occupancy, band three £2,000/day for single lane occupancy of multi-lane roads, and band four £1,500/day for cycle track/lane occupancy.

The exact fee depends on the type of work, timing and expected impact on traffic, and the council retains options to waive or reduce fees for collaborative working, good performing organisations or major infrastructure improvements.

Income generated is ringfenced to fund the operation of the scheme, with half of any surplus invested into road maintenance and additional measures to minimise future disruption.

In BCP’s public consultation, more than 75% of respondents supported the scheme, before a formal application to the secretary of state for transport.

Key routes were selected based on traffic volume, bus route density and frequency of roadworks, with dual carriageways excluded to prioritise single-lane routes, keeping the designated network below the scheme’s 10% limit.

(Picture: Yay Images)