Reforms introduced under the Tories, which would limit new low-traffic neighbourhoods, have been ditched by Labour ministers. The reforms, originally proposed in 2023, would have restricted the power of councils to establish new 20mph zones and low-traffic neighbourhoods. The Conservative Party said it was a “kick in the teeth” for drivers, while Labour claims the proposals “would have made no positive difference for drivers”.
Low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are areas where vehicle access on residential roads is heavily restricted or banned entirely. They are designed to encourage cycling and walking, cut crime, and improve air quality. Critics say the schemes only push problems elsewhere, creating longer delays on major roads. Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said the government is now assessing appropriate next steps as former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans have been “put on hold”. She added Labour didn’t plan to review guidance around 20mph speed limits, which Tories described as an “inappropriate blanket use”.
She said: “As has always been the case, local authorities are responsible for managing their roads and are accountable to their communities.
“We believe that traffic authorities are best placed to decide where lower limits will be effective on the roads for which they are responsible, and that consultation and community support should be at the heart of the process.
“Those policies in the [Conservative] ‘plan for drivers’ that would have made no positive difference for drivers have been discontinued.”
But shadow transport secretary Richard Holden claimed the move is a “secret war on drivers” as it was not mentioned in Labour’s manifesto.
He told The Sunday Telegraph: “Labour has been caught red-handed as it steps up its targeted war on motorists. Conservatives led the charge against unfair and overzealous 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.”
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 £500 million 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 £1 billion 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.”
This week, Labour-run Southwark Council admitted it would refund thousands of drivers who were unfairly fined for using bus lanes.
In June, Lambeth Council was ordered by the High Court to tear down an “unlawful” LTN in West Dulwich which raked in £1 million in fines.
