Published on Thursday 26 March 2026
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has backed a key measure to cut roadwork disruption and keep drivers moving across the conurbation.
Councillors have approved plans to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme, which will, subject to approval from the Secretary of State for Transport, encourage utility companies and contractors to plan more effectively so roadworks are carried out faster, in collaboration with other works promoters and at quieter times.
Government-endorsed Lane Rental Schemes allow local authorities to charge up to £2,500 a day for works on their most traffic-sensitive streets.
On average, over 80 per cent of the works that take place on BCP’s roads are conducted by utility providers, not by council roadworks.
Under the scheme, contractors – including BCP Council’s own teams – will be charged higher rates when working on traffic-sensitive routes at busier times.
This encourages them to plan roadworks at off-peak times and to complete them to the required standard first time, so they do not need to return and carry out remedial works.
Most respondents to BCP Council’s recent public consultation supported the scheme’s introduction.
Following the approval of Full Council last night, BCP Council is now free to apply to the Transport Secretary for permission to go ahead with the scheme.
Cllr Andy Hadley, whose BCP Council portfolio includes highways, said: “We know how frustrating roadworks can be for our residents and road users.
“There’s never an ideal time for roadworks, but they are necessary to maintain and improve our highways and public infrastructure.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to progress proposals that have the potential to significantly cut roadwork disruption, incentivising contactors to schedule works at quieter times and take less time to complete them.
“The plans we’re putting forward are overwhelmingly supported by our communities with 85 per cent of residents who responded to the consultation backing the introduction of a Lane Rental Scheme.”
Evidence from other areas, including London, Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex, shows they reduce congestion by between nine and 25 per cent.
Half of any surplus collected from operating the scheme would be reinvested in highway maintenance, helping the council to improve the condition of our area’s roads.
The other 50 per cent would be available for contractors to apply to the scheme for funding to trial innovative techniques and technologies to speed up their roadworks, or to carry out additional works that will help reduce congestion in the future.
They would receive discounts for collaborating with others when working on the road network to reduce their disruption and impact on the public.
Charges do not apply to emergency works for the first 48 hours, meaning such works would not be penalised if they are completed quickly.
The Lane Rental scheme will cover nearly 10 per cent of the roads in BCP Council area, focusing on the routes that are most sensitive to disruption.