We will be introducing a lane rental scheme in 2027. 

The scheme applies charges to certain roadworks and street works carried out on selected roads at times when disruption is likely to have the greatest impact on road users.

The scheme aims to encourage organisations carrying out works to:

• reduce the time roads and lanes are occupied
• complete works more efficiently
• minimise periods when sites are left unoccupied
• improve planning and coordination of works
• carry out works outside peak traffic periods where possible

Key dates

We will begin a 12-week shadow scheme from Wednesday 6 January 2027.

During this time:

• works promoters must comply with the scheme requirements
• lane rental charges will not apply

We will then start applying charges from Thursday 1 April 2027.

These start dates are subject to change.

Roads included in the scheme

The scheme applies only to selected roads within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It does not apply to the entire highway network.

Charges

Charges may apply when works take place on roads included in the scheme and during specified charging periods.

The amount charged depends on:

• which road the works are carried out on
• when the works take place
• the type of works that are carried out

Reducing or avoiding charges

Works promoters may be able to reduce or avoid charges if they:

• carry out works outside traffic-sensitive periods
• carry out works outside term-time or seasonal periods where appropriate
• avoid reductions in the number of lanes available to traffic
• coordinate works with other organisations where permitted under the scheme

Who the scheme applies to

The scheme applies to organisations carrying out highway and street works, including:

• utility companies
• telecommunications providers
• contractors
• developers
• highway authority works teams

How we use the income

Any surplus income, after the costs of operating the scheme have been met, must be used for activities that support the scheme's objectives.

We propose to allocate:

• 50% of surplus funding to highway maintenance
• 50% of surplus funding to projects that reduce disruption on the highway network

Projects may include:

• development and trials for new technologies, products and techniques
• improvements to traffic management
• improvements infrastructure access arrangements
• improvements to highway records and systems
• reduction of the environmental impacts of highway works
• improvements to safety associated with highway activities
• reduction of congestion and disruption from works
• support for research and innovation

Environmental impacts

Potential impacts on the environment were considered as part of designing the lane rental scheme, as per the Environment Act 2021.

Contact us

If you have questions about the Lane Rental Scheme, email us at lanerental@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.