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Durham County Council is taking a major step forward in smarter road management by partnering with GeoPlace to develop a new Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) aimed at reducing disruption caused by road and street works.
Following a successful bid in response to the council’s Invitation to Tender in December 2024, GeoPlace was awarded the contract in February 2025. Since then, the team has worked closely with the council to prepare a Statutory Instrument (SI) for submission to the Department for Transport (DfT), with the goal of securing approval by January 2026.
The scheme focuses on improving traffic flow across County Durham by encouraging utility companies and contractors to:
- Plan works during less disruptive times
- Coordinate with other organisations
- Minimise impact on busy roads
Under the Lane Rental model, the council can charge up to £2,500 per day for works carried out on the most congested routes at peak times. These charges apply to both utility companies and highway authorities, creating a strong incentive to reduce delays and keep traffic moving.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to efficient, collaborative, and data-driven road management—benefiting residents, businesses, and road users across the county.
