North Yorkshire adopts scheme to cut roadworks disruption

Companies carrying out roadworks in North Yorkshire will soon face charges for working during peak hours as the council introduces a new lane rental scheme.

The Department for Transport has approved the council's application to use the scheme, which is designed to reduce disruption and traffic congestion on key routes.

Daily charges of up to £2,500 will apply for works scheduled during busy times, aiming to shorten the length of projects and encourage different organisations to collaborate. When trialled in areas such as London and Kent, the initiative successfully minimised disruption, with companies opting to work outside peak hours to avoid steep fees.

What the scheme means for road users

North Yorkshire Council’s highways and transport executive member, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, explained that the scheme is set up to benefit both road users and those responsible for carrying out works.

“We made the application last April, so we are delighted that we have received approval to adopt a better approach to those carrying out roadworks," Taylor said.

Charging for working hours will incentivise companies to complete maintenance faster and reduce inconvenience for travellers, Taylor added. "We hope the lane rental scheme will reduce unnecessary disruption to all road users travelling across our vast road network.”

Potential benefits for businesses

Businesses are also expected to benefit from the reduced impact of roadworks on customer access. Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Martin Mann, highlighted the positive effect this could have.

“We support any scheme that will improve the timing of when works are carried out, particularly outside of opening hours," Mann said.

"This will encourage people to visit their local high street and support the county’s fantastic independent businesses to thrive.”

Covering around 500 miles of the 5,800 miles of roads in England’s largest county, the scheme will apply to key roads prioritised to minimise disruption.

Lane rental schemes generate funds from charges that can be reinvested into road maintenance or measures to further reduce congestion.

The scheme could go live in spring next year.

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