Civic centre says new scheme is aimed at tackling traffic jams and minimising disruption caused by roadworks

A highways maintenance vehicle and (inset) cabinet member Rick Jewell — A highway maintenance vehicle and (inset) cabinet member Rick Jewell

Enfield Council has announced a lane rental scheme for utility companies that want to dig up the borough’s roads during peak times.

The council says the new scheme is aimed at tackling traffic jams and minimising disruption caused by roadworks.

Under the new proposals, utility companies and other organisations carrying out works on the borough’s roads will be charged a daily fee for occupying the highway during peak hours.

The proposal is designed to encourage companies to schedule their work at less disruptive times and therefore reducing congestion.

It will apply to key roads in Enfield that are most affected by congestion and are seen as essential to keeping the borough moving.

Roadworks on Slades Hill, linking the west of the borough with Enfield Town, recently caused havoc with buses even being forced to divert their routes via The Ridgeway and Cockfosters, adding 30 minutes or more to journeys.

Funds generated from the lane rental scheme will be reinvested into improving the road network, helping to maintain and improve infrastructure.

However, it remains subject to approval from the Department for Transport. Once approved, the scheme will officially come into effect following a four-week trial period, during which companies will not be charged but will be encouraged to adjust their working schedules accordingly.

Rick Jewell, the council’s cabinet member for transport and waste, said “By introducing the lane rental scheme, we aim to reduce traffic by encouraging companies to carry out works at times that have the least impact on our residents and businesses.

“Recently, there has been major disruption in Enfield along our key roads because of utility companies’ roadworks. We’ve all felt the impact of this during peak hours. We recognise the need to improve journeys across the borough. We believe our new proposals will ensure utility companies work with us and residents.

“This is one example of many showing our commitment to build a cleaner, greener, and better borough.”

The scheme is being brought in consultation with Transport for London and utility providers. The council is also part of a strategy group aiming to align lane rental projects across the capital.

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