Havering Council’s Lane rental scheme has been approved by Cabinet.(Wednesday 14 October 2026).
A lane rental scheme allows the Council to charge utility companies and contractors for working on the busiest roads at the busiest times.
The aim is to reduce traffic disruption by encouraging better planning and quicker roadworks.
The scheme will operate alongside the Council’s existing permit scheme, which has been in place since 2013.
The lane rental scheme will help towards providing a greater financial incentive to encourage organisations to improve their planning and delivery.
Plus to work outside of peak times and reduce the duration of their work.
Daily charges can range from £1,000 to £2,500.
Benefits of the scheme include:
- Helping towards reducing traffic congestion on Havering’s busiest streets
- Shortening the duration of roadworks
- Helping towards improving journey times
- Reducing vehicle idling and improving air quality
- Making better use of limited road space.
- Helping to fund road and street works improvements
A consultation was held in September 2025, where residents, businesses, and key stakeholders were asked for their views on a proposal to introduce the scheme.
The Council also got approval to introduce the scheme from the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2026.
Councillor Alex Sibley, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“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.”