Press Release
Monday 18th March 2024
Daniel Kawczynski MP Says: ‘We’re Sticking to the Plan to Improve Journeys for Drivers’ as the Conservative Government Announces New ‘Plan for Drivers’ Measures
• People should be able to travel the best way for them, but too many people feel that councils are implementing traffic schemes without local consent.
• That is why the Conservative Government is sticking with the plan by delivering its Plan for Drivers, giving local people a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them by cracking down on anti-driver road schemes, overzealous traffic enforcement and strengthening guidance on 20mph limits.
• While Labour is penalising drivers in Wales and London with blanket 20mph limits and the expanded ULEZ charge, the Conservative Government is on the side of drivers as it sticks with the plan to make driving easier, fairer and cheaper.
Daniel Kawczynski MP has welcomed new measures by the Conservative Government to tackle anti-driver road schemes and overzealous traffic enforcement, helping to reduce journey times for motorists as part of its long-term Plan for Drivers.
Draft statutory guidance for councils has been published on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), stating that there must be community engagement and support for proposed schemes to ensure every LTN has local consent before implementation.
This summer, the guidance will come into force to tackle recent problems highlighted by councils introducing LTNs without public support, causing massive disruption for drivers. Concerns have also been raised about the unintended negative consequences for local people, particularly for disabled residents and the delays caused by emergency service responders caught up in LTNs, potentially risking lives.
The aim is to prevent councils from having to reverse poorly implemented or locally unpopular schemes, as occurred in Labour-run council areas in Jesmond, Newcastle and Streatham Wells, London, often at significant cost.
Councils are also receiving strengthened guidance on setting 20mph speed limits, reminding them they should only be used in sensible and appropriate areas, such as outside schools, and where safety and local support is at the heart of the decision.
Alongside driving schemes, consultations are being launched to tackle overzealous enforcement and prevent local councils from turning drivers into ‘cash cows’ by profiting from traffic restrictions. £50 million has also been announced for upgrading traffic lights across 80 highway authorities, improving journey times and reducing congestion caused by red lights.
These announcements are part of the Conservative Government’s 30-point Plan for Drivers, which is already making progress to benefit motorists. Measures to crack down on disruptive street works will reduce unnecessary delays to journeys, and grants for schools have been launched to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charge points, making it easier for drivers to make the switch.
Meanwhile, drivers in Labour-run areas are seeing more disruption thanks to Labour’s anti-driver approach. Welsh Labour is spending £40 million to roll out blanket 20mph speed limits, which will cost the Welsh economy billions and cause massive disruption to drivers while also refusing to build any new roads, taking the nation back to square one. Meanwhile, in London, Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan is raising millions of pounds monthly through his ULEZ expansion, which unfairly targets businesses and those on the lowest income with a £12.50 tax whenever they want to use their car.
Only the Conservative Government is on the side of drivers, as they stick with the plan to reduce journey times and make driving easier, fairer and cheaper, building a brighter future.
Daniel Kawczynski MP Said:
‘People across Shropshire rely on daily car journeys to get to work, visit the shops, and see friends and family. So, I understand the frustration when unwanted LTNs and 20mph limits delay those journeys.
‘Under this Conservative Government, we’re sticking to the plan to improve journeys for drivers, ensuring local councils engage with the community ahead of any traffic schemes being introduced so that only those with support will go ahead.
‘Only Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives are on the side of drivers as they take the long-term decisions to make road journeys easier, fairer and cheaper as we build a brighter future.’
Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport Said:
‘We want local people to have their voices heard and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact.
‘Well thought-out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community.
‘We’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.’
Photo: Daniel Kawczynski MP and Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport
