PLANS are being put forward to reduce roadwork disruption on Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s busiest roads.

BCP Council is consulting on a Local Lane Rental Scheme that would encourage utility companies and contractors to complete work sooner and carry out jobs at quieter times.

The government-endorsed scheme would allow the council to charge up to £2,500 a day for works on its busiest roads with rates varying.

Higher rates are charged at busier times incentivising roadworks to be planned at off-peak times and carried out more efficiently.

Income received is ringfenced to fund the scheme and any surplus is re-invested in measures including proposals that further reduce roadwork disruption.

BCP Council portfolio for highways Cllr Andy Hadley said: “It is our responsibility to keep traffic moving and reduce inconvenience to residents and road users.

“These proposals will incentivise contractors to schedule works at quieter times of the day and take less time to complete them: reducing disruption across our busiest routes.

“We know lane rental has been a success where it is already in place – boosting local businesses by reducing congestion.”

Lane rental schemes have been introduced by a handful of local authorities such as West Sussex, resulting in reduced congestion and shorter duration of roadworks.

BCP Council is requesting feedback from residents and key stakeholders until midnight on Sunday, February 1.

The council will then decide whether to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for permission to operate the scheme.