Concerns have been raised over government plans to introduce charges for utility companies digging up roads.

Under the proposals, councils will be given the power to charge hourly rates on utilities carrying out street works, such as installing new broadband or upgrading electricity networks.

In response to the government's consultation on lane rental schemes, Street Works UK, the trade association for utilities and their contractor partners on street works issues, has warned the plans would push up prices for households as they place additional cost and time burdens on utilities.

In addition, the organisation warned the proposals could undermine commercial investment that supports government priorities, such as the superfast broadband rollout or improving the resilience of the electricity network to allow for increased usage of electric cars.

Street Works UK added the schemes would fail to reduce congestion for road users as councils already possess all the necessary tools to co-ordinate and manage street works, yet they are not currently being used effectively. Local authority road works, which make up a significant amount of all works, will also not be covered by the schemes as set out in the consultation.


Instead, the trade association has called for a 'more streamlined and well defined approach', which if implemented properly could deliver continued investment in key infrastructure as well as reduced disruption to road users. This involves a more consistent version of the current permitting system being rolled out to all highways authorities and the implementation of a system of “super permits” where necessary and appropriate.

The organisation's Chief Executive Officer, Bob Gallienne, said: "There is a risk that government proposals to charge utilities for access to the highway will increase consumers' bills. They may also deter vital commercial investment in the nation's infrastructure which would otherwise boost economic growth, improve productivity, and deliver new services such as superfast broadband.

"Utilities are committed to undertaking street works in a way which minimises road occupation and causes as little disruption to road users as possible. We are continuously looking for ways of delivering street works more effectively, and will continue to do so, but these proposals will do little to reduce congestion.

"Street Works UK is calling for a more consistent and streamlined approach to managing street works. We are keen to work with government and highways authorities to help refine and implement this approach in a way that ensures continued investment in key infrastructure as well as helping reduce congestion for motorists."

(LM)