COUNCILS in East Lancashire could be given the power to charge utility companies for each day they spend fixing the regions highways.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has demanded that the government introduce ‘lane rental schemes’ nationwide.

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This would mean companies would pay councils a daily rate for the work they do on key roads during busy periods, in a bid to reduce congestion and gridlock.

The changes would see councils charging companies without the approval from the secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling.

LGA transport spokesman, Wakefield councillor Peter Box, said there is a need for robust and decisive action.

He said: “Councils are being hamstrung by a lack of effective powers to tackle this issue.

“They know their areas best and should be able to make decisions about traffic locally.

“This means they need the option of being able to introduce lane rental schemes without secretary of state approval, which is time-consuming and bureaucratic.”

Cllr Box said the money generated through the charges could then be used to fund measures aimed at reducing future roadwork problems.

Graham Jones, Hyndburn’s MP, said: “Public services should provide value for money and efficiency.

“If this were to help reduce delays and get roadworks completed a day or two quicker then I would welcome that.

“There would have to be safeguards put in place to make sure that the work is done safely and correctly.

“Roadworks are the bane of many people’s lives with many people stuck in them on a daily basis, causing unwanted stress.”

Only Transport for London and Kent County Council have been granted approval to run lane rental schemes.

Ribble Valley’s MP, Nigel Evans, said: “I agree with the Local Government Association. Clearly quality must be assured but also to a timescale to make sure the work is done properly.”