CALLS for new laws that would make it easier for councils to charge for utility roadworks are being considered by Monmouthshire County Council.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales wants to make it easier for councils to introduce lane rental schemes which currently require the approval from the Secretary of State for Transport.

A lane rental scheme would allow the council to charge utility companies, such as gas, water and cable providers, for the work the carry out on major, congested roads during busy periods, providing an incentive for them to finish faster and not have to return.

MCC Traffic and Network Manager Paul Keeble said: “Proposals for lane rentals are similar to the previous permit scheme which benefited urban authorities such as Cardiff.  

“However, this may also suit Monmouthshire which, along with other Welsh highway authorities, is considering how this new legislation can be introduced.”

Lane rental schemes have been introduced in other parts of the UK such as London where in just the two years serious and severe disruption from roadworks has been cut by almost half.

LGA Transport spokesman Cllr Peter Box said: “Councils want to do everything they can to help motorists and small businesses by minimising disruption.

“However, local authorities are being hamstrung by a lack of effective powers to tackle this issue head on. Councils know their areas best and should be able to make decisions about traffic locally.

“This means they need the option of being able to introduce lane rental schemes without Secretary of State approval, which is time-consuming and bureaucratic.”