Lane rental charges signal an end to ‘phantom roadworks’

 The end of “phantom roadworks” could be in sight after ministers announced councils will be handed the power to charge utility companies up to £2,500 a day to dig up busy roads at peak times.

Lane rental schemes, which led to a drop in congestion when piloted in Kent and London, will now be able to be rolled out nationwide to try to reduce traffic jams.

It also encourages firms to work outside of rush hour, or even to collaborate with other companies to stop roads being dug up multiple times.

Jo Johnson, transport minister, said: “Drivers often see red when roadworks cause them delays, especially if no one is working on them. Lane rental has seen a massive drop in disruption to drivers.”

In London, lane rental has prompted utility companies to work together more than 600 times since the scheme was introduced in 2015 – up from just 100 beforehand.