New initiative could see utility companies paying 'rent' during works

Should utilities companies be charged for digging up our roads in order to reduce traffic?

Mayor of London Boris Johnson is calling on the Government to introduce regulations to speed up roadworks by charging utility companies that block our busiest roads at the busiest times and wants to hear residents' views www.london.gov.uk\lane-rental.

What is lane rental?
Along with Council officials, the Mayor wants new regulation approved as soon as possible which would mean utility companies could be charged for digging up the roads, through a new lane rental system. This would give them an incentive to complete works quickly – the less time they take, the less they pay.

Why is it important?
38% of traffic delays in the capital caused by roadworks at an estimated cost of nearly £1 billion of economic disruption every year. More than 100 different utility companies regularly dig up London's streets.

The lane rental programme was supposed to start in July 2010, but the government has not set a new date for yet.

Do you have a view on this proposal? If so please complete the survey at www.london.gov.uk\lane-rental.

February 7, 2011