Firms to be charged for roadworks on busy routes

Utility companies working in Camden and Merton could face charges for roadworks on the busiest roads during peak periods, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

TfL said the lane rental scheme encourages utility companies to work more efficiently, reducing congestion while generating funds for "innovative new ways to reduce delays on the roads".

The scheme is part of TfL's London on the Move strategy, which seeks to improve the capital's road network.

Deputy mayor for transport Seb Dance said: "By encouraging streetworks to take place collaboratively and outside the busiest hours, we're minimising disruption while generating funding for further innovation that keeps the capital moving."

A further eight boroughs have recently had their lane rental applications approved: Barnet, Hammersmith & Fulham, Havering, Kingston upon Thames, Redbridge, Southwark, Sutton and Tower Hamlets.

The measures in those boroughs are due to come into force in the autumn, bringing lane rental coverage to a third of London.

Dance added: "This scheme is a key part of our new approach to managing London's streets more effectively – using technology and smarter infrastructure to cut congestion, improve safety and speed up journey times on the bus network, as we continue building a greener, better London for everyone."

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 means the mayor of London now has the power to determine all new London borough lane rental scheme applications.

Stuart Neaverson, Merton Council's cabinet member for transport and cleaner streets, said: "It is incredibly frustrating when utility companies take up vital road space for days or weeks on end, causing disruption for Merton residents.

"These new powers will help us hold these utility companies to account by charging them each day they carry out roadworks."

James Slater, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, said he understood the disruption and inconvenience roadworks can cause, "especially in a busy central London location such as Camden".

He added: "We have undertaken considerable work to prepare for the lane rental scheme, which, alongside our existing permit scheme, will apply to the most traffic-sensitive parts of Camden's road network, covering around one in five of our roads, reducing disruption, improving journey reliability, and supporting cleaner air and healthier streets."

The London Assembly has been approached for comment.

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