Companies face £2.5k-a-day charge for roadworks across Leeds as major scheme launches today

Companies carrying out roadworks on some of Leeds’ busiest roads could now face charges of up to £2,500 a day.

New lane rental schemes have launched today (October 5) across the city, as well as Wakefield and Kirklees, with utility companies and other organisations charged for working on key routes during the busiest periods.

The schemes are designed to encourage companies to carry out roadworks outside peak times, when they are less likely to cause delays for motorists, cyclists and public transport.

Charges will also apply to work carried out or commissioned by the three councils themselves.

The councils say the schemes will encourage organisations to work more efficiently, coordinate works where possible and reduce the amount of disruption caused by roadworks.

The three authorities have each received approval from the Department for Transport and have worked together to introduce a consistent approach to the charges.

The schemes are also intended to help protect key bus routes, improve public transport reliability and reduce carbon emissions caused by traffic delays.

Leeds City Council executive member for transport and planning, Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, said the charges would encourage companies to find less disruptive ways of carrying out work.

He said: “We're taking action to ease disruption on our roads. It’s vital that we keep the city moving.

"That's why we have introduced our lane rental scheme, which encourages more efficient behaviour from those working in our roads. This should minimise disruption for residents during the busiest periods.

“Charging companies who carry out works at peak times, when they could be carried out in a less disruptive way, is the right thing to do to help drivers, cyclists and road users get from A to B in a safe and efficient manner.”

The charges do not apply to road closures carried out to support events such as the Rob Burrow Marathon and Leeds Abbey Dash.