The Labour Government has abandoned plans to limit new Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones. Ministers have dropped reforms that would have curbed council powers to restrict traffic and levy “unfair” fines and parking charges.
The Conservatives, who drew up the changes, branded the move “a kick in the teeth to motorists” and warned that it would hit struggling high streets, according to the Daily Telegraph.
However, Labour ministers dismissed the proposals as “speculative suggestions” and said they “would have made no positive difference for drivers”.
Sir Keir Starmer has been repeatedly accused of pursuing heavy-handed policies against motorists, most notably in London and Wales. Recently Labour-run Southwark council was forced to admit that it had illegally fined thousands of people for driving in bus lanes.
Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, said scrapping the Tory plans represented a “secret war on drivers” that was not in Labour’s manifesto.
“Labour has been caught red-handed as it steps up its targeted war on motorists,” he said. Conservatives led the charge against unfair and over-zealous enforcement but our work has been ripped up in underhand attacks without any public consultation or manifesto pledge.
“This is a kick in the teeth to motorists, set to punish beleaguered local high streets and will slam the brakes on the economy even more than Rachel Reeves has done so far.”
Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a “Plan for Drivers” in October 2023, which would have made it harder for local councils to introduce anti-car schemes. It included draft guidance on the introduction of LTNs, which would have forced councils to focus more on the views of residents and businesses.
As a “minimum” authorities would have had to hold a series of public meetings with residents and to leaflet every household in the affected area.
Ministers have now confirmed that the draft guidance, which was not formalised in time for last year’s general election, has been effectively shelved.
Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said that as a result, work had been “put on hold and the Government is now considering appropriate next steps”.
“As has always been the case, local authorities are responsible for managing their roads and are accountable to their communities,” she added.
(Pic: TfL)
