Lambeth Launches New Schemes to Reduce Congestion and Speed Up Buses

Lambeth Council is introducing two new transport initiatives aimed at cutting congestion and improving traffic flow across the borough.

A Lane Rental Scheme will reduce disruption from roadworks in busy areas, while a partnership with Transport for London (TfL) will speed up bus journeys through key routes.

The Department for Transport has approved Lambeth’s Lane Rental Scheme, allowing the council to charge companies for carrying out works during traffic-sensitive times. The scheme encourages organisations, including utility providers, to schedule work during quieter periods, shorten the duration of roadworks, and prioritise areas prone to unplanned disruptions.

From April, charges will reach up to £2,500 per day for work on busy streets and £350 per day for selected footways. Revenue from the scheme will be reinvested in highway maintenance, such as pothole repairs and general improvements.

Developed jointly with TfL and the councils of Camden, Enfield, and Merton, the scheme will cover 15.9% of Lambeth’s road network. It is the first of its kind in London and is expected to serve as a model for other boroughs. Lambeth’s scheme is unique in including charges for footways, particularly around the South Bank and Waterloo, areas that attract over three million monthly visitors and 70 million annual passengers passing through Waterloo Station.

In addition, Lambeth is rolling out a Bus Priority Corridor programme with TfL to improve bus speeds on roads where journey times are typically below targets set by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. The Mayor’s Bus Action Plan seeks a 10% increase in average bus speeds by 2030, aiming for reliable speeds of 10 to 13mph on key central London corridors.

The initiative will make bus travel faster and more dependable, reduce congestion, improve air quality, enhance road safety, and improve access to shops, services, and employment. Initial community engagement began on 19 January in West Norwood (Norwood Road and the A215) and Acre Lane, with consultations planned for six additional priority corridors.

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said:

“We’re serious about tackling congestion and making sustainable travel a safe, quick, and reliable option for everyone in Lambeth. Roadworks at peak times can cause huge disruption, and our Lane Rental Scheme will tackle this by encouraging companies to carry out works at times that have the least impact on our residents and businesses. Buses are an essential service, and we share the Mayor’s commitment to get them moving faster across the city. Our new priority corridors will create a safer and more welcoming environment—not just for bus passengers, but also for people walking, wheeling, and cycling on these vital routes.”