Richmond upon Thames Council is set to implement a Lane Rental Scheme by April 2027, aiming to significantly reduce road disruption across the borough. The scheme will charge utility companies and other works promoters for occupying traffic-sensitive roads during peak hours.
The Transport and Air Quality Committee met on Monday, 7 September 2026, to discuss the proposal, which is designed to incentivise companies to complete works more efficiently and minimise disruption to road users. Giles Radford, Director of Highways Operations and Street Scene, highlighted that similar schemes have proven effective in other London boroughs, including Merton, Lambeth, Camden, and Enfield.
Evidence from existing Lane Rental schemes demonstrates that the approach can encourage works promoters to undertake works outside peak periods and reduce disruption on the highway network. Radford noted that while he did not have specific figures readily available, the schemes have been found to be quite effective
in other areas.
The scheme will target the busiest times
and apply to designated traffic-sensitive roads.
According to the meeting documents, traffic-sensitive streets are determined by Transport for London based on factors such as normally bus routes... but then also the volume of traffic on certain aspects.
A pan-London framework has subsequently been developed by the Department for Transport (DfT), Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils to support wider implementation across London boroughs.
Richmond's scheme will be aligned to the pan-London framework,
ensuring it aligns Richmond with neighbouring authorities that have already adopted or are due to adopt Lane Rental schemes.
This approach will align Richmond with an established London-wide approach to reducing disruption from roadworks.
The scheme is anticipated to generate an estimated annual net financial benefit of approximately £170,000 for the borough. This income is ring-fenced and will be used for highway maintenance and transport-related initiatives, after operational costs are covered. In accordance with national requirements, a minimum of 50% of any surplus must be allocated to highway maintenance. The remaining surplus can be used for approved initiatives that reduce disruption or support innovation in street works activities. While specific initiatives are not yet detailed, the anticipated charging commencement for the scheme is May 2027.
Councillor James Chard welcomed the initiative, stating that it would encourage better coordination of utilities work and be a positive development for residents. Councillor Massimo Chiesa echoed this support, emphasizing that the scheme would ensure utility companies contribute a more substantial amount for occupying the road network during disruptive periods.
The full details of the proposal can be found in the Public reports pack for the Transport and Air Quality Committee.
