Member

Government Amendments 101 and 102 ensure continuity in the approval of lane rental schemes where a new mayor has not yet been elected. Several new strategic authority areas will not have a mayor in place until 2027 or 2028. Without this change, there would be a period when no one had the legal power to approve lane rental applications. Highway authorities in these areas are preparing schemes now and they must have a clear and workable approval route. The amendments provide that the Secretary of State will continue to act as the approval authority for any applications submitted before the first mayoral election takes place. This gives certainty to local authorities and avoids unnecessary delay. It also means that decisions can be made promptly and transparently through the interim period. Once a mayor is elected, the power transfers automatically, as Parliament originally intended.