From autumn 2026, Kirklees Council will be allowed to charge utility companies and contractors up to £2,500 a day for digging up the busiest roads at peak times.

The Department for Transport has approved a so-called Lane Rental Scheme for Kirklees, Wakefield and Leeds councils.

The aim of the charges is to reduce congestion and disruption on the roads, encouraging contractors to plan roadworks better and consider the impact on drivers.

Kirklees Council says any money raised from the charges will be reinvested into upgrading and maintaining roads.

Clr John Hardie, the council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, highways and transport, said: “Whilst roadworks are often essential, we all want to see less disruption and delays.

“This new scheme will help us achieve this by giving us the tools we need to incentivise better co-ordination, planning and efficiency from those working on our roads.

“By joining up with our neighbouring councils we’re sending a strong message to companies about the importance of working efficiently and considerately.

“We want to keep Kirklees residents, businesses and travellers moving and lane rental will mean we have the powers to do that.”

The intention is that all three councils will introduce their schemes later this year to make the changes easier for those working on the roads to navigate and help better manage works that cross council boundaries.

The Lane Rental Scheme charges apply to all organisations carrying out works on the road network.

The scheme only covers the busiest – or key – roads across the district.

Roads in Huddersfield and Holmfirth town centres are included along with the likes of the A62 Leeds Road out to Bradley; Manchester Road out from Thornton Lodge to Milnsbridge and Crosland Moor; Bradford Road between Fartown and Fixby; Wakefield Road from Aspley to Dalton; Halifax Road from Edgerton to Lindley and Birchencliffe; and Woodhead Road from Lockwood to Honley.

Many smaller but busy local roads are also on the list.

A full list of roads can be found on the Kirklees Council website via the link HERE.