Bucks Labour MPs welcome approval of lane rental scheme to cut roadworks disruption
Bucks Labour MPs Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury), Callum Anderson (Buckingham and Bletchley) and Emma Reynolds (Wycombe) have welcomed confirmation that the Government has approved the Buckinghamshire Lane Rental Scheme, a major step towards reducing traffic congestion and the impact of roadworks across the county.
Confirming the decision, the Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood MP, said the approval process had now concluded and that Buckinghamshire Council had been formally notified. He added that the Government is “committed to supporting the wider roll out of lane rental schemes” and has updated national guidance and processes to help avoid delays for councils seeking to introduce similar measures in future. He also thanked the local MPs for their support and wished Buckinghamshire Council “every success with its implementation”.
The Lane Rental Scheme will allow Buckinghamshire Council to charge utility companies and other works promoters for occupying lanes on the busiest parts of the road network at peak times. The aim is to incentivise better planning, improved coordination between companies and faster completion of works, encouraging disruption to be minimised and, where possible, shifted away from the most congested periods. This is something that the Conservative-run Council, and local Labour MPs have campaigned collaboratively - and across parties - on in the best interests of communities across the county.
The scheme is designed to address long-standing concerns from residents, commuters and businesses about repeated and prolonged roadworks, which can bring key routes to a standstill. By targeting the most traffic-sensitive locations and times, lane rental is expected to help improve traffic flow, reduce delays and make journeys more reliable across Buckinghamshire.
Laura Kyrke-Smith MP said: “I’m delighted that our Government has approved the lane rental scheme. We all know too well the frustration and delays caused by lengthy and overlapping roadworks in Aylesbury and the villages. This scheme gives our council stronger tools to ensure road works are better planned and completed more quickly.”
Callum Anderson MP added: “This is very welcome news for people across North Buckinghamshire, many of whom have been affected by ongoing HS2 works. The approval of the lane rental scheme reflects constructive, cross-party working to tackle a problem that affects everyone. Lane rental will help tackle the disruption that roadworks can cause to daily life, local businesses and public services. By encouraging utilities to work more efficiently and avoid peak times, this scheme has the potential to make a real difference on our busiest roads.”
Emma Reynolds MP said: “Drivers, bus users and businesses in Wycombe have been clear about the impact that constant roadworks can have on congestion and journey times. I strongly support the lane rental scheme because it promotes smarter working and accountability, while still allowing essential maintenance to take place. I’m pleased to see it now approved and moving towards implementation.”