Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 17, 2025

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.