Wandsworth Council's Cabinet has approved the continued development and implementation of a lane rental scheme, which is anticipated to generate significant financial benefits and reduce traffic disruption.
The scheme will allow charges for street works on designated traffic-sensitive roads during peak periods. The aim is to encourage more efficient planning and delivery of works, minimise disruption, and reduce congestion and its impact on journey reliability.
Stakeholder and statutory consultation on the proposed scheme will commence shortly. Authority has been delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, to make minor amendments to the scheme documentation and submit the final application through the required statutory approval process.
The anticipated implementation date for the scheme is April 2027, with charging commencing in May 2027. The scheme is projected to generate an estimated annual net financial benefit of £200,000 in 2027/28, rising to £400,000 per annum thereafter. This income will be ring-fenced for highway maintenance and disruption-reduction initiatives.
The Cabinet's decision follows a review of street works management, which identified that the current Permit Scheme does not provide the same financial incentive for promoters to avoid peak times and sensitive routes as a Lane Rental Scheme. This new approach will strengthen the Council's ability to influence behaviour and improve network performance, aligning Wandsworth with neighbouring authorities that have already adopted similar schemes.