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Schemes that aim to discourage roadworks on busy roads during peak times are set to be rolled out nationwide.
The UK Government says lane rental schemes that charge utility companies up to £2,500 a day for digging up the busiest routes at rush hour could now be adopted by councils nationwide after successful trials in Kent and London.
The government says they incentivise firms to work on quieter roads or outside of rush hour, or even to collaborate with other companies to stop roads being dug up multiple times, reducing the impact of roadworks on drivers.
Transport minister Jo Johnson said: "Drivers often see red when roadworks cause them delays, especially if no one is working on them.
"Lane rental has seen a massive drop in disruption to drivers as utility companies have changed when and where they carry out work. Now we want millions of motorists around England to get the same benefits."
Reacting to the news, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "This is a very welcome announcement. Trials showed that some of the worst congestion caused by planned utility works in London was reduced by half on roads where lane rental was in operation, so rolling this out will extend the benefits nationwide.
"While motorists accept that some roadworks and congestion are unavoidable, lengthy and unnecessary queues are incredibly frustrating.
"RAC research suggests congestion on our roads and journey time reliability are growing concerns for motorists, so introducing lane rental should encourage better planning and coordination of roadworks, and mean utility works are completed in a swifter, more efficient manner."
The Department for Transport will produce guidance in the autumn to help councils develop lane rental schemes for approval.
The first schemes could start by the end of 2019.
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