Council takes decisive action to cut congestion and curb disruption from roadworks

19 Dec 2025, 4 p.m.

Buckinghamshire Council is moving decisively to tackle the delays and day-to-day disruption residents experience from roadworks, with the introduction of a new Lane Rental Scheme that will keep people and businesses moving.

Following government approval, the council will introduce its own Lane Rental Scheme — Lane Rental: Streets Ahead — a major step to reduce disruption and improve journey reliability across the county. The scheme allows the council to charge up to £2,500 per day for works carried out on the busiest parts of the road network at peak times, encouraging companies to plan smarter, work together and finish jobs faster.

The scheme will apply to around 7.8% of Buckinghamshire’s network (approximately 500 roads and streets) and is expected to go live in spring 2026. It complements Buckinghamshire Highways’ existing permit scheme and is designed to drive industry-wide behavioural change.

Money raised will first cover the costs of running the scheme. Any additional funds will be ringfenced in the council’s Streets Ahead Investment Fund to reinvest directly into initiatives that reduce the disruption and adverse effects caused by roadworks, delivering visible benefits for residents.

What residents will see:

  • Fewer roadworks at the busiest times and on the busiest routes
  • Quicker completion of essential works through better coordination
  • More reliable journey times and reduced congestion
  • Smarter, collaborative planning between utilities and contractors

Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Steven Broadbent, said:

“Residents tell us congestion and disruption are among the biggest frustrations when it comes to our roads. This scheme tackles that head-on. By incentivising smarter planning and off-peak working, it will cut delays, reduce queues and make journeys more reliable.

"Lane Rental: Streets Ahead puts the onus on utility companies to plan around people, not the other way round. It will cut delays and keep Buckinghamshire moving.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, Thomas Broom, added:

“Buckinghamshire Council has consistently pressed the government for stronger local powers to manage roadworks and minimise disruption. The approval of our Lane Rental Scheme marks real progress and puts Buckinghamshire on the front foot in tackling roadworks chaos.

“This scheme complements our permit scheme and will drive a step-change in how works are planned and delivered. By incentivising off-peak working and collaboration, we can minimise disruption and keep our roads safe and efficient for everyone.”

For more information about Lane Rental: Streets Ahead, view this YouTube video.