A council is considering plans to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme to help reduce disruption from roadworks on a proportion of its road network.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is consulting on the plans for its busiest roads.
It said the scheme would encourage utility companies and contractors to work more effectively so less time is needed to complete roadworks and to carry out work at quieter times.
Councillor Andy Hadley said: “It is our responsibility to keep traffic moving and reduce inconvenience to residents and road users.”
Government-endorsed lane rental schemes allow a highway authority to charge up to £2,500 a day for works.
The daily rate varies depending on the type of work, when they will be carried out, and the disruption it is expected to cause.
Higher rates are charged at busier times, incentivising roadworks to be planned at off-peak times and to be carried out more efficiently.
The income received is ring-fenced to fund the operation of the scheme and any surplus is re-invested.
The council said Lane Rental Schemes have already been introduced at a handful of local authorities including in West Sussex and have resulted in reduced congestion and shorter duration of roadworks.
Hadley added: “We know there is never an ideal time for roadworks, but they are necessary to maintain and improve the public infrastructure that are essential to our communities.
“These proposals will incentivise contractors to schedule works at quieter times of the day and take less time to complete them: reducing disruption across our busiest routes.
“We know lane rental has been a success where it is already in place boosting local businesses by reducing congestion.”
The consultation opens on Monday 15 December and will close on Sunday 1 February.
After analysing the feedback, councillors will decide whether to apply to the secretary of state for permission to operate a the scheme.
