Firms to be charged for disruptive works on County Durham roads

A scheme aimed at reducing traffic congestion by charging firms thousands of pounds for causing disruption will come into force next week.

The lane rental scheme will come into effect across County Durham on Monday, making it the first local authority in the North East and the first county authority outside of the London area to do so.

The scheme will allow Durham County Council to charge organisations for works carried out on the county’s busiest routes and at times when they are most likely to cause disruption.

Tim McGuinness, cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said the scheme would “encourage better planning and coordination”.

The Reform UK-led authority applied to the Department for Transport in September following a public consultation, and said it would roll out the charges on roads including New Elvet and the Thinford Roundabout.

“The scheme will help us keep roads open during the busiest periods while still allowing for important infrastructure works to be carried out,” McGuiness said.

“It will encourage better planning and coordination between organisations, ensuring traffic continues to move across the county efficiently.”