Issue details

A Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) is a regulatory framework that allows highway authorities to charge utility companies and contractors a daily fee for occupying the most traffic-sensitive roads at the busiest times. The aim is to incentivise faster, more efficient roadworks and minimise disruption to road users.

Kirklees Council has developed a LRS and would like to apply to the Secretary of State (SoS) for Transport for powers to operate its scheme before the application deadline of 1 October 2025.

Cabinet (9 September 2025) delegated to Executive Director Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Highways and Waste, the decision:

1.    to consider feedback from the statutory consultation, and to amend the Scheme if necessary following conclusion of statutory consultation.

2.    determine whether to make an application to Secretary of State to operate a Lane Rental Scheme.

3.    Take all required steps to implement the approved Scheme.

Whilst there is a duty for Highway Authorities to manage and coordinate works and activities on the highway, there is no duty for Kirklees Council to operate a Lane Rental Scheme.

The Lane Rental Scheme was considered by Cabinet on 9 September 2025; no declarations of interest were registered.

The Lane Rental Scheme was also considered by Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny on 20 November 2024.

Extensive engagement and consultation were undertaken with statutory undertakers, other asset owners, and relevant organisations to help formulate the Lane Rental Scheme. Amendments to the Scheme were made following the conclusion of the 8-week statutory consultation period as a direct result of comments made through that process.