Low-traffic neighbourhoods set for assessment amid Tory ‘pro-motorist’ drive
The transfer was confirmed in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, with the Prime Minister asking the Department for Transport to assessment low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) insurance policies.
Under such plans, native councils try to restrict visitors on the town and metropolis centres – with drivers usually prevented from utilizing quiet residential roads as via routes.
The measures are additionally designed to encourage uptake of different modes of transport.
The adoption of the polices has attracted the anger of some Tory MPs, who’ve criticised the measures as assaults on motorists.
I simply wish to be certain that folks know that I’m on their facet in supporting them to make use of their vehicles to do all of the issues that matter to them
Mr Sunak informed the Telegraph: “The vast majority of people in the country use their cars to get around and are dependent on their cars. When I’m lucky enough to get home to North Yorkshire, it’s more representative of how most of the country is living, where cars are important.
“I just want to make sure people know that I’m on their side in supporting them to use their cars to do all the things that matter to them.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who has spoken out earlier than about LTNs, mentioned the Tories are “about giving people more choice on how they travel, not banning you from driving your car”.
Labour dismissed the announcement and accused the Government of “pure hypocrisy”.
Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh mentioned: “The Conservatives accelerated and funded the use of LTNs, so it is pure hypocrisy to see them denounce a policy they have been instrumental in introducing and accelerating at pace.
“Measures to improve road safety around schools and in residential streets are often demanded by local communities themselves.
“That’s why these are decisions for local authorities and must be done with proper consultation and taking on board the concerns of communities.”
Shadow worldwide commerce secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds, chatting with Times Radio, mentioned Labour backs “well-planned” LTNs.
The pitch to motorists and automobile homeowners comes after the Conservatives’ slender victory within the Uxbridge and Ruislip by-election earlier this month, which noticed the Tory candidate faucet into native considerations in regards to the growth of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
That success has seen some Tory MPs on the suitable of the social gathering urge Mr Sunak to have interaction in a rethink on internet zero, amid hopes of attacking Labour’s inexperienced ambitions.
The unfold of LTNs in latest months has emerged as a priority amongst some on the suitable of the Conservative Party.
Conservative MP Nick Fletcher instructed within the Commons earlier this 12 months that visitors management plans being mooted by native councils throughout the UK are a part of an “international socialist concept” which can take away private liberties.
This just isn’t the primary time Mr Sunak has hit out at LTNs.
In final summer time’s Tory management contest, he promised to assessment the insurance policies to think about the affect on emergency companies.
The Prime Minister can be dealing with stress from some backbenchers to rethink the deadline for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel automobile gross sales.
More than 40 Conservative MPs and friends, together with distinguished figures resembling Lord Frost and Sir Jacob Rees Mogg, have written to Mr Sunak to say the “time is right for a rethink” and warned of the risks of a “heavy-handed ban”.
Mr Sunak dominated out any shift within the Government’s place, telling the Telegraph: “The 2030 target has been our policy for a long time and continues to be. We are not considering a delay to that date.”
He doubled down on assaults on Sir Keir Starmer amid the row over the Ulez scheme, which is being pushed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The Labour chief and different senior social gathering figures have referred to as on Mr Khan to mirror on the coverage following the Uxbridge defeat.
The capital’s mayor has promised to take heed to Londoners whereas additionally stressing the pressing want to scrub up town’s air.
“I’ve become slightly more alarmed by the Labour Party’s position. It’s quite anti-motorist,” Mr Sunak claimed.
It is councils who’re greatest positioned to make choices with their communities in bettering the lives of individuals and companies
But the Local Government Association informed the Prime Minister {that a} nationwide assessment is “unnecessary”.
Transport spokeswoman Linda Taylor mentioned: “It is important that we consult with all residents and businesses to find the best solutions to ease congestion and improve air quality for everyone.
“However, it is councils who are best placed to make decisions with their communities in improving the lives of people and businesses.
“As democratic organisations they continually review all kinds of services and schemes based on local circumstances. Therefore, a national review is unnecessary.”
She mentioned native authorities as an alternative want “long-term certainty of funding” and “consistency” in policymaking to put money into transport schemes.