Tower Hamlets Lane Rental Scheme
The council charges for roadworks carried out on key roads at busy times, to cut congestion and reduce disruption across the borough.
The scheme applies to 12.5% of the road network in Tower Hamlets, covering the key roads where congestion is most common and where keeping traffic moving is critical. A daily fee is charged for works taking place on these roads during peak hours for the duration of the works.
The scheme complements the existing London Permit Scheme currently in operation.
Background and approval
The scheme was developed following consultation with key stakeholders, including Transport for London and those working on the highway network.
Council officers worked as part of the London Borough Lane Rental Strategy Group to ensure consistency and coordination with equivalent schemes operated by other London boroughs.
Aims and objectives
The scheme is designed to change how and when roadworks are carried out on the busiest parts of the network. By applying daily charges during peak hours, the council aims to:
- reduce congestion and traffic delays for residents, workers and commuters
- encourage works to be scheduled outside peak times, or carried out more efficiently once on site
- support smoother traffic flow and more reliable journey times across the borough
- create longer-term behaviour change among those working on the highway network.
Operational guidance
The London Borough Lane Rental Scheme operational guidance provides all the information you need to understand how our scheme operates. The guidance also includes information on the circumstances where waivers and reductions to daily charges may be considered, as well as details of where exemptions to charges apply.
Waivers, reductions and exemptions
Waivers and reductions to daily charges may be considered by the council on a case-by-case basis.
Requests should be made via:
- works comments on Street Manager
Revenue and reinvestment
Under new street works regulations which came into force on 5 January 2026, revenues from Tower Hamlets Lane Rental Scheme will be split, where:
- 50% will be put towards highway maintenance
- 50% will be available to an innovation fund. Which will fund the support of innovation, efficiencies and reductions in disruption.
Other resources