Hampshire County Council to consider ‘lane rental’ proposals to minimise roadworks disruption

Proposals that could lead to the introduction of a new lane rental scheme aimed at reducing roadworks delays on over 550 miles of Hampshire’s busiest roads during peak times, are set to be considered by Hampshire County Council later this month.

On Monday 23 June, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Passenger Transport, Councillor Lulu Bowerman, will review detailed proposals for the introduction of lane rental scheme which would charge a daily fee for the duration of roadworks, including any delay, on more than 550 miles of road – or roughly 10 per cent – of Hampshire’s roads. If approved by the Department for Transport, the scheme could be introduced in spring 2026.

Councillor Kirsty North, the County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: “We’re exploring new ways to limit the impact of roadworks and disruption for residents. As the Highway Authority, we have a duty to manage disruption across the road network and keep Hampshire moving, whilst also coordinating essential work to maintain and upgrade our county’s infrastructure.

In recent years, we have seen a sharp rise in the number of permit requests to undertake work on Hampshire’s roads. We know how frustrating this can be, especially on our busiest routes, and a lane rental scheme can act as a strong incentive for organisations to plan ahead, get the work done efficiently and reduce disruption.” The County Council agreed in January to progress plans for a lane rental scheme, which would complement the existing road permitting system.

Detailed proposals have now been set out which include which roads are considered to be the most strategically important or where roadworks and/or streetworks are likely to cause significant delays and disruption to traffic flow. If the proposal is approved, the County Council will undertake a consultation with relevant stakeholders, including utility companies, over the summer.

Final recommendations will then be developed before formal approval is sought from the Department for Transport. The aim is for the scheme to become operational in Spring 2026.Charges would vary depending on the type and level of disruption caused by the works. Any surplus revenue generated – beyond the basic operational costs – would be ringfenced to fund innovative projects aimed at reducing the impact of street and roadworks. Subject to new national legislation expected later this year, up to 50% of the income generated could also be reinvested into routine highway maintenance, including day-to-day repairs such as pothole fixes.Lane rental schemes are already in place in several parts of the UK and they must comply with national legislation.

Charges can only be applied to the most congested and strategically important local roads managed by the highway authority and under current legislation, the County Council would be permitted to charge up to £2,500 per day – the maximum allowed.