Decision details

The committee considered a report which provided an update on the development of a Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) for Cheshire East Council (CEC) and sought approval for the proposed future approach.

An LRS enabled local highway authorities to reduce street works disruption by incentivising undertakers through a charging mechanism. This encouraged work on key and traffic-sensitive streets during quieter times, easing congestion. With appropriate development, the charging mechanism would enable the Council to cover its costs for the scheme.

Progress so far had included initial proposals and cost-benefit analysis, and a preliminary consultation had been conducted.

There were only five schemes currently active in England operated by local authorities which have unique congestion issues not comparable to CEC.

The current Government supported the development of LRSs and had announced intentions to both encourage new schemes and expand the purpose for which authorities may use surplus income. As with any new statutory approach, best practice was evolving and learning from this would allow the council to get it right first time.

Officers were recommending that CEC deferred developing its LRS to take account of emerging practices and Government changes which would allow the CEC LRS to be developed and tailored appropriately to local needs.

The Chair introduced Terry Ryan who was the new Contract Network Manager, and the committee welcomed the additional resources to get schemes such as the LRS rolled out.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the Highways and Transport Committee

1. Approve the continued development of a Lane Rental Scheme Proposal, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.