Labour has quietly dropped plans to limit the roll out of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones in what has been dubbed a ‘secret war on drivers’.
The reforms, which were drawn up by the Tories, would have curbed locals councils’ powers to restrict traffic and impose ‘unfair’ fines and parking charges.
Labour ministers, however, dismissed the proposals, saying they ‘would have made no positive difference for drivers’.
It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced repeated accusations that Labour is launching a ‘war on motorists’ in England and Wales.
Just this week, Labour-run Southwark council was forced to admit it would refund thousands of people after they were unfairly fined for driving in bus lanes.
On Saturday, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden branded the decision to scrap the limits on councils’ powers over traffic measures a ‘secret war on drivers’.
The Conservatives also raised fears that increased limits on car use would hit already struggling high streets across the UK.
Mr Holden told The Telegraph: ‘Labour has been caught red-handed as it steps up its targeted war on motorists.
A cyclist passes planters blocking a road for cars in a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced repeated accusations that Labour is launching a ‘war on motorists’ in England and Wales
A 20mph speed limit signpost and local shops on Lordship Lane, in East Dulwich, London
‘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.’
Back in October 2023, Rishi Sunak announced his party would be introducing a ‘Plan for Drivers’ to make it harder for local authorities to implement anti-car schemes.
The proposals would have forced councils to place more emphasis on the views of local residents and businesses when considering the introduction of LTNs.
As a minimum, authorities would have had to hold a series of public meetings, with locals in the affected areas also made aware of the plans through leaflets.
However according to the Telegraph’s report, ministers have now confirmed that the plans – which were yet to be formalised – have now been shelved.
Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said the government was considering its ‘next steps’ and that the work had been ‘put on hold’.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods work by blocking cars from going down residential streets
Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said the government was considering its ‘next steps’ and that the work had been ‘put on hold’
Pictured: A Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Enfield, north London
She added that there are no ‘current plans’ to change the guidance on the rolling out of 20mph speed limits in England.
The minister reiterated that it was up to local authorities to decide where lower speed thresholds would be appropriate in their areas.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘The Government is absolutely on the side of drivers, focusing on making journeys safer and smoother, and saving motorists money.
‘Over the past year alone, we invested an extra £500m to help local authorities resurface roads and fix seven million potholes, reducing congestion and saving drivers up to £600 a year in repairs.
‘We’ve also committed £1bn to repair bridges, flyovers and tunnels, and greenlit over 30 road schemes to improve journeys.
‘Meanwhile, we are making our roads safer to drive on and will set out the next steps for the first road safety strategy in over a decade in due course.’
Daily Mail has contacted the Labour Party for comment.
