KENT LANE RENTAL SCHEME
What is the Kent Lane Rental Scheme?
Kent has one of the most extensive highway networks in the country. The County Council maintains over 5,000 miles of roads and 4,000 miles of pavements, as well as 4,200 miles of public rights of way. KCC is directly responsible for 2,700 bridges, 110,000 streetlights, 130,000 traffic signs and 400 miles of cycle routes.
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004 The Network Management Duty all as a local transport authority the Council has a duty to: “secure the expeditious movement of traffic on its road network”.The Council takes a proactive approach to this duty in order to “Keep Kent Moving”by managing and maintaining the local highway network to maximise the safe and efficient use of road space and to provide reliable journey times.
On 25th January 2010, the Council introduced the Kent Permit Scheme which has improved the Council’s ability to reduce disruption from road works. Under the Kent Permit Scheme, anyone intending to carry out works on the highway must apply for permission in advance of the works and the Council may choose to grant a permit or refuse the permit as submitted, and or request conditions. The KLRS is designed to work in conjunction with the Kent Permit Scheme to complement the powers provided within this scheme by adding a financial incentive to minimise the occupation of the highway, through Lane Rental charges.
What is the Purpose of the Kent Lane Rental Scheme?
A well-designed and well-targeted lane rental scheme, focused on the most critical parts of the highway network and with charges applying only at the busiest locations at traffic sensitive times, should encourage those undertaking works to carry out their works in a less disruptive manner.
A lane rental scheme could provide real financial incentives that encourage those undertaking works to: reduce the length of time that sites are unoccupied,improve planning, coordination and working methods to maximise efficiency; carry out more works outside of peak periods, and optimise the number of operatives on site to enable works to be completed as quickly as possible;
Why Consult on the KLRS?
The power for local authorities to implement lane rental schemes in England is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State and in accordance with the stated Guidance and Codes of Practice the Council will consult with all relevant stakeholders potentially affected by the Scheme during the development of the KLRS and prior to a formal submission to the Secretary of State.
When will the Kent Lane Rental Scheme Start?
Once the consultation is completed, the Council will consider the views and comments received and it is expected that a formal submission to introduce a Scheme is submitted to the Secretary of State in September 2012.
Based on this submission date and the expected review and decision process, the Council could operate a scheme from the Summer of 2013.
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