Leeds City Council, Wakefield Council and Kirklees Council have launched lane rental schemes from 5 October, charging companies up to £2,500 per day for carrying out works on busy roads during peak times.
The schemes apply to utilities, contractors and other organisations that need to work on key routes. The councils aim to encourage these companies to schedule work outside peak hours, collaborate more efficiently, and reduce overall disruption to traffic.
How the scheme works
Companies carrying out works on the busiest roads during the busiest times of day will be charged for lane rental. The charges also apply to any works that the three councils themselves carry out or commission, demonstrating their commitment to minimising disruption on their own networks.
The scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions and protect the reliability of public transport by safeguarding key bus routes from disruption.
Coordinated approach across West Yorkshire
All three councils secured Department for Transport approval for their schemes and developed a consistent charging approach and common principles together. Launching the schemes simultaneously makes it easier for organisations applying to carry out works and helps manage issues where works occur near council boundaries.
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council's executive member for transport and planning, said: "We're taking action to ease disruption on our roads. It's vital that we keep the city moving. That's why we have introduced our lane rental scheme, which encourages more efficient behaviour from those working in our roads. This should minimise disruption for residents during the busiest periods."
Event exemptions
The charges do not apply to road closures in support of events such as the Rob Burrow Marathon and the Leeds Abbey Dash.
More information is available at www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/licences-and-permits/leeds-lane-rental-scheme
