Rishi Sunak has stated he’s “slamming the brakes on the war on motorists” – with the federal government confirming that councils will likely be stopped from implementing blanket 20mph pace limits.
Low-traffic neighbourhoods are additionally within the prime minister’s crosshairs and can solely be permitted the place there’s native consent.
The Department for Transport added that it plans to cease council implementing so-called “15-minute cities” amid fears they “aggressively restrict where people can drive”.
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Speaking to The Sun, Mr Sunak described such schemes as “hare-brained” – and claimed penalising drivers going about their each day lives “doesn’t reflect the values of Britain”.
The PM’s announcement comes because the Conservative Party convention will get beneath approach this weekend in Manchester.
Mr Sunak will likely be hoping to capitalise on the benefit he gained throughout the Uxbridge by-election, the place London’s controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone was a key difficulty on the doorstep.
In an announcement, the federal government stated its new long-term authorities plan goals to assist the 50 million individuals who maintain a driving licence within the UK.
Other measures will embrace efforts to simplify paying for parking by cellphone, charging utility companies that dig up busy roads at peak occasions, and a session on bikes utilizing bus lanes.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated: “Too often the private car is vilified when it has been one of the most powerful forces for personal freedom and economic growth.
“That’s why the federal government is taking the long-term, mandatory determination to again the motorists who hold our nation transferring.”
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Mr Harper, who will set out further details in a speech to Tory members on Monday, said this plan will complement “continued funding in public transport”.
It comes sizzling on the heels of the PM delaying a ban on the sale of latest petrol and diesel automobiles till 2035 – a goal that was beforehand supposed for 2030.
The announcement of that coverage had been dismissed as “an act of weakness from a desperate, directionless prime minister” by Labour.
Source: information.sky.com”