The scheme will charge organisations – including utility companies and the council itself – for roadworks conducted on the borough’s busiest streets during peak traffic hours.
The proposed lane rental scheme targets high-traffic areas, encouraging contractors to schedule work outside peak hours or adopt more efficient methods for the works.
Fees, capped at £2,500 per day, would be levied based on the extent and timing of disruptions caused by roadworks. Charges vary depending on the type of work, with full road closures attracting the highest fees.
Lane rental streets will be classified into three timing bands, reflecting traffic flow analysis, to minimise disruptions. For example, Band A streets will incur charges for work conducted during the most congested periods, such as weekday rush hours and Saturday mornings.
The initiative aligns with Lambeth’s 2030 Our Borough Plan, which prioritises climate resilience. By reducing road congestion, the scheme aims to cut emissions from idling vehicles, improve air quality, and enhance public transport reliability.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “This scheme will directly reduce delays caused by roadworks, encourage more sustainable travel options, and support the council’s broader climate and transport objectives,” said
“We all know terrible effect roadworks can have on people’s journeys on the roads and as a responsible highway authority, we need to put the right incentives in place for utilities to work efficiently at the least disruptive times.”
“This measure considers disruption to all road users, so closing bike lanes or pavements will also incur charges. In Lambeth, we’re a borough with social justice at our heart and this is applied even in apparently mundane areas of life, like roadworks.”
The proposal also supports the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) and Lambeth’s Transport Strategy Implementation Plan (TSIP). Key goals include safer streets, increased active travel, and improved public transport access and reliability.
Similar schemes operated by Transport for London (TfL) and councils in Kent and Surrey have demonstrated measurable benefits, including reduced congestion, shorter roadwork durations, and improved journey times.
A feasibility study conducted by Lambeth Council shows strong justification for adopting a lane rental scheme. The proposed network includes 81 kilometres of Lambeth’s busiest streets, covering roads, cycle tracks, and pavements.
While the scheme imposes charges on roadworks, including those undertaken by council contractors, any net revenue after operational costs will be reinvested in transport improvements, such as repairing potholes and pavements or subsidising travel for disabled residents.
Operational changes may be required for council contractors, who will need to adjust working practices to avoid peak-hour fees. However, the council believes the financial burden on the Council will be minimal due to the reinvestment of net revenues.
To implement the scheme, the council must secure approval from the Department for Transport (DfT). This involves a formal consultation, submission of evidence such as cost-benefit analyses, and the creation of a legal order.
Pending approvals, the scheme is expected to begin trial operations in late 2025, with full implementation targeted for January 2026.
Lambeth Council plans to engage stakeholders and conduct extensive public consultation to refine the scheme. The proposal reflects a collaborative approach, drawing on traffic data and insights from pan-London initiatives to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
The lane rental scheme represents a significant step toward Lambeth’s vision for a greener, more accessible transport network. By addressing the root causes of congestion and promoting sustainable practices, the council aims to create safer, cleaner streets for all road users and a borough fit for the future.
