Greater Manchester to tackle congestion and cut disruption from roadworks on the city region’s busiest routes.
Under the plans – proposed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in partnership with the ten local highway authorities – local authorities, utility companies and other organisations carrying out roadworks would face daily charges for occupying the most traffic-sensitive roads at peak times.
Fees would range from £1,500 per day for lane closures to £2,500 per day for full road closures, with a £350 daily charge for work on areas that affect pedestrians. The scheme is proposed for just under 10% of Greater Manchester’s highways – 787 streets covering 855 kilometres.
The move aims to better incentivise organisations to collaborate and coordinate roadworks, as well as work outside the peak times. It will also encourage companies to cut the length of time that works are in place, carry out more work overnight or on weekends, and will provide discounts for those that embrace less disruptive approaches.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“The Bee Network is delivering more reliable and punctual services for passengers, helping deliver economic growth across Greater Manchester.
“Lane rental has already been successful in London and other parts of the south of England, delivering faster and more reliable journey times for all road users, while also reducing disruption and congestion. We strongly believe that lane rental will have a similarly positive impact in Greater Manchester.”
