Oxfordshire County Council has received government approval to charge companies, including utility firms and developers, for closing roads during peak travel times.

The new lane rental scheme will apply to the county’s busiest routes, with firms paying daily fees for works that obstruct traffic.

The council receives around 30,000 requests for roadworks each year. Officials say the scheme is designed to encourage companies to schedule works outside peak periods and to complete projects quickly, reducing disruption for drivers.

Money raised will be reinvested into Oxfordshire’s highways, including the council’s own roadworks.

For more information, see the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8r08202nexo