Lambeth Council has announced plans to implement a lane rental scheme on 22% of its road network as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion, improve journey reliability, and lower vehicle emissions.
The scheme, which builds on the Council’s statutory duty under the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA), will charge for works conducted on the borough’s busiest streets during peak traffic hours.
The proposed lane rental scheme targets high-traffic areas, encouraging undertakers to schedule work outside peak hours or adopt more efficient methods.
The scheme 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.
The proposal also ties into 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 works durations, and improved journey times.
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 analysis, 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.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “This scheme will aim to directly reduce delays caused by street works and road works, encourage more sustainable travel options, and support the Council’s broader climate and transport objectives.
“We all know terrible effect works 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 at the least disruptive times”
