‘Charge utility firms £2,500 a day for roadworks to end misery for drivers and businesses’

Utility firms and contractors responsible for over-running, disruptive work on roads should be charged £2,500 a day using new powers, say Pendle councillors.

They want new powers for councils put into practice, for speedier delivery, better coordination and more off-peak working on key roads.

Underground utility works, lane closures and traffic delays have sparked complaints across Lancashire over recent months. In Pendle, Colne, Nelson and Brierfield have been impacted by various works, causing delays for drivers and hitting trade for shops and businesses too. And there have been similar complaints elsewhere including in Whitworth, Rossendale.

Some councils in other parts of the country are introducing ‘lane rental’ schemes, which allow charges of up to £2,500 per day on contractors for work that causes major disruption. And any money raised is then invested into fixing potholes or other local transport and community schemes.

At Pendle Council, Independents Yasser Iqbal and Naeem Ashraf have won support for a motion, calling on Lancashire County Council to adopt a lane rental system too.

Coun Iqbal said: “There is growing frustration felt by residents and businesses due to lengthy, disruptive roadworks, particularly when the works over-run and cause unnecessary delays. We believe utility companies and contractors should carry out works efficiently, complete them on time wherever possible and reduce disruption to the public.

“Other councils have introduced ‘lane rental’ schemes, which allow charges of up to £2,500 per day for works that cause major disruption. And any income generated from a scheme launched here should be used directly to benefit local communities.”

Councillors backed the motion asking Lancashire County Council to explore the introduction of a lane rental scheme or some other type of roadworks charging scheme, based on successful models elsewhere. They also asked for a report about the legal powers, the potential benefits of  a charging scheme and options to introduce it locally.

In London, lane rental schemes have been run for over 10 years in different boroughs with Transport for London. Now, the Westminster government is keen to expand the schemes nationally to tackle disruption and improve things for the future.

United Utilities was approached for comment on the idea. A spokesperson said the decision on introducing a lane rental system sits with Lancashire County Council.

Currently, the county council is the main authority responsible for roads. But it faces being abolished in 2028 under local government reforms. Who then takes on responsibility for roads remains to be seen. The government is to announce its preferences for future Lancashire arrangements later this year.

Elsewhere in the north, Reform UK-led Durham County Council looks set to introduce a lane rental system. It has signalled its support and is looking at public consultation.