Wakefield Council is to begin charging utility firms up to £2,500 a day to carry out roadworks on busy routes during peak times.
Leeds and Kirklees councils are introducing the same scheme simultaneously. The three West Yorkshire authorities said the lane rental schemes aim to reduce disruption by encouraging organisations to carry out works at less busy times.
The Department for Transport has approved the schemes, which are planned to launch later this year.
How the scheme works
The councils said the schemes were designed to cut delays by encouraging companies to schedule works outside peak hours, collaborate with other organisations and complete jobs more efficiently.
The three authorities worked together to introduce a consistent approach to charging. They said the co-ordinated rollout would make it easier for companies applying to carry out works and help address issues where projects near council boundaries affect motorists travelling across more than one area.
Benefits for residents
Wakefield councillor Keith Anderson said roadworks caused delays and disruption to drivers. He said the power to levy charges should help minimise that disruption and create a more reliable and free-flowing road network, making Wakefield a better place to live and work.
As well as reducing congestion, the councils said the measures could help cut carbon emissions and improve the reliability of public transport services by protecting key bus routes.
Any money raised from the charges will be reinvested into upgrading and maintaining roads.
