Fencing off part of a road to put a building up? You could soon have to pay rent to the Department of Transport for occupying the highway.

Transport Minister Phil Braidwood told the House of Keys this week that legislation is in place to charge construction companies for closing off parts of roads and pavements.

Graham Bell reports:

(Text of attached audio)
Mr Braidwood was replying to a question in Keys when he revealed laws dating back to 2001 would allow the Department to charge for scaffolding, building materials and hoardings occupying roads.

The more space taken, the more ‘rent’ charged, he told Douglas North MHK John Houghton.

But despite the scheme’s earnings potential given the amount of building work on the Island at present, Mr Braidwood said staffing constraints prevented the scheme being set up.

He said there were no immediate plans to introduce the proposals, though they would be straightforward to implement.