The scheme, approved by Cabinet on Wednesday 14 October 2026, will charge companies for working on the busiest roads at the busiest times. This is intended to encourage better planning and quicker roadworks, thereby reducing traffic disruption.
It will operate alongside the Council’s existing permit scheme, in place since 2013. The lane rental scheme aims to provide a greater financial incentive for organisations to improve their planning and delivery, work outside of peak times, and reduce the duration of their work. Daily charges can range from £1,000 to £2,500.
Benefits cited include reducing traffic congestion, shortening roadworks duration, improving journey times, reducing vehicle idling and improving air quality, making better use of road space, and helping to fund road and street works improvements.
A consultation was held in September 2025, gathering views from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. The Council also received approval to introduce the scheme from the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2026.
“"Residents tell us that congestion and disruption are among the biggest frustrations when it comes to driving on the Borough’s roads. Roadworks and utility works do have to be carried out and on occasions. These emergency works often cause traffic to have to divert at very short notice. With a lane rental scheme though, there can be smarter planning and off-peak working which will hopefully lead to a reduction in delays and traffic queues. The aim is to keep the Borough moving and for our residents to have the minimum of disruption when making their journeys across Havering."
