North Yorkshire Council is considering plans for the lane rental scheme like the ones already successfully operating in London and Kent, in a bid to reduce traffic disruption.
Under the scheme, companies would incur daily fees of up to £2,500 for undertaking maintenance work at peak times. It is designed to reduce the length of works and encourage companies to work together to minimise inconvenience.
When piloted in the South of England, the initiative recorded a significant reduction in congestion, as companies worked outside peak times to avoid accumulating charges.
Executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan said: “Roadworks are a major source of frustration, that’s why we’re adopting the toughest possible approach in North Yorkshire.
“Charging utility companies for the time they occupy the highway means we can incentivise them to complete works more efficiently and outside of peak hours. By moving this scheme forwards, we’re doing everything within our legal power to ensure disruption for residents, visitors and businesses is minimised.”
Key stakeholders will now be consulted on the scheme before an application goes to the Department for Transport for Secretary of State approval. If successful, the scheme could be in operation before the summer of next year.
North Yorkshire, England’s largest county, has a network of roads stretching a total of nearly 5,800 miles.
Fees raised would be used to cover costs of running the scheme, with any surplus invested into measures that reduce disruption on the roads.
The general business insurance division of the Howe Maxted Group was acquired by JMG in a deal that will see the firm sit alongside JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers’ 12 offices across the UK.
Run by directors Graham Smith and John Maxted, Howe Maxted’s insurance business has been helping clients identify risks and minimise the impact on their business and private lives for over a century. Under its new ownership, all the firm’s 14 staff will continue to operate from its Sidcup headquarters, headed by the existing leadership team.
Director Graham Smith says the move will provide continuity for clients and the Howe Maxted team, and that it was a ‘people first’ approach that set JMG Group apart when they were looking for a new home for the business: “We know the numbers need to work to run a successful business, but I believe that people are the top priority.
“The numbers will work when your people are happy, which is why there has always been a ‘people first’ approach at the heart of our business. From our earliest discussions with JMG Group I felt we were on the same page, and that they were the people to help look after the team and clients, some of whom I have worked with for more than 30 years.”
Director John Maxted says that joining JMG Group will free up valuable time for the leadership team to focus on the next stage of the firm’s journey: “We were looking for someone who could ‘take away the noise’ and free up more of our time to focus on running and growing our business, rather than on regulatory matters.
“I’m happy to say that we’ve found that partner in JMG Group, and I’m looking forward to starting our next chapter with their backing.”
JMG Group CEO Nick Houghton adds: “I am delighted to welcome Graham, John and the team to the group. Their business has a rich history and they’ve built an enviable reputation and a loyal customer base by putting their clients and their team first.
“Howe Maxted is exactly the kind of business we are keen to bring into the group, and I look forward to seeing the firm continue to thrive.”
