Purpose

Cabinet to agree to the application to the
Secretary of State for Transport to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme
for Buckinghamshire

Content

The Buckinghamshire Lane Rental
Scheme (BLRS) was a proposed initiative aimed at reducing road
network disruption by charging works promoters for occupying the
most traffic sensitive routes at key times of day. The introduction
of the BLRS was seen as a key addition to the current Permit Scheme
to tackle, address and ultimately reduce the disruption caused by
the growing number of operators and works to local communities and
the travelling public. The BLRS had been developed in accordance
with the DfT’s guidance and would require approval from the
Secretary of State.  If approved, the
BLRS would apply to 522 streets, which was 7.8% of the
Buckinghamshire highway network. 
 
The introduction of the BLRS
was expected to bring several benefits, including enhanced network
management, behavioural changes in the industry and improved
journey time reliability. 
Implementation of the scheme was also expected to generate surplus
revenue. The regulations required that the surplus revenue
generated from lane rental was applied to measures that would help
to reduce the disruption caused by future activities. Such measures
would be expected to deliver further benefits to Promoters,
activities undertakers and road users.  
 
On the 20 December 2024 the
government announced that they would be proceeding with the
proposals outlined in the consultation to reform Streetworks regulations, requiring at least 50% of
any surplus lane rental funds to be spent on highway maintenance.
This was first proposed under the previous Government’s
‘Plan for Drivers’ earlier in 2024 and would require
secondary legislation to amend the 2012 regulations and was
expected later in 2025. The scheme's governance would involve a
dedicated group with an independent Chair to consider the use of
surplus funds and ensure they were used to support the scheme's
objectives and in accordance with the DfT guidance. The final
decision on how the surplus funds was spent, would rest with the
Council.   
 
The BLRS would be reviewed
annually with the first evaluation report covering a full year from
the commencement date. Streets identified for Lane Rental might be
subject to amendment based upon changing circumstances in a given
area. The scheme's evaluation plan included monitoring reductions
in disruption and congestion, improved journey time reliability,
and environmental benefits.
 
RESOLVED
 
1.
that the application to the Secretary of State to implement and
operate a Lane Rental Scheme be approved.
 
2.
that authority be delegated to the Service Director for Highways
and Technical Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Transport any modifications or changes required by the Department
for Transport acting on behalf of the Secretary of
State.
 
3.
that the implementation of the Buckinghamshire Lane Rental Scheme,
in accordance with the Order granted by the Secretary of State be
approved.