Rishi Sunak’s Pro-Motorist Initiatives: Curbing Council Powers on Speed Limits and Traffic Cameras

Rishi Sunak : A ‘Plan for Motorists’ Unveiled

The Prime Minister is set to make these announcements during the Tory conference scheduled for early next week. This initiative is aimed at garnering support from drivers across the country.

What to Expect

Among the pledges expected to be part of this plan are restrictions on the hours during which cars can be prohibited from bus lanes and limitations on the utilization of number plate recognition cameras. Furthermore, local authorities will face constraints in their ability to impose fines and generate revenue from traffic cameras and enforcement of box junction infringements, as reported by The Guardian.

Traffic is spoiling where we live, so why is @RishiSunak going out of his way to clog our roads with cars?🤦‍♀️
These changes would serve no one – not pedestrians, not cyclists, not users of public transport & not even drivers, who will face more congestion👇 https://t.co/LFtGu4Kku5

— Sustrans (@Sustrans) September 29, 2023

However, it’s worth noting that these policies, which have yet to be discussed with councils, have been described as ‘speculation’ by a source from the Department for Transport.

Crackdown on ‘Anti-Motorist’ Policies

Rishi Sunak has previously expressed his commitment to cracking down on what he considers ‘anti-motorist’ policies implemented by local authorities. He has already initiated a review of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).

This strategy is seen as an attempt to draw a clear distinction between the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, positioning the government as a supporter of drivers’ interests.

The Prime Minister’s Perspective

Mr. Sunak emphasized the importance of cars in people’s lives, stating that the ‘vast majority of the journeys that people make are in their cars.’ He highlighted the significance of well-maintained roads, a sentiment often echoed by his constituents.

Recent Developments

These announcements follow closely on the heels of the Prime Minister’s relaxation of Net Zero policies, including the postponement of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.

Mr. Sunak has consistently voiced his support for car users, emphasizing the role of cars in people’s daily lives and their significance to the nation.

Support for Motorists

The government is also considering substantial funding to address pothole issues. A Tory source pointed out that ‘Labour are vulnerable on this stuff because they do not understand how ordinary people live.’ They perceive Labour as inclined to penalize drivers at every opportunity and view this as an opportunity to advocate for drivers’ interests.

Public Opinion

In recent events, such as the Uxbridge by-election, Labour faced backlash from voters due to policies like the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), which imposes daily levies on non-compliant vehicles.

In Wales, the deputy climate change minister faced a no-confidence vote after introducing a new default 20mph speed limit, although the motion to remove him from office was unsuccessful.

Driver Advocacy

Bob Bull, chairman of the Alliance of British Drivers, welcomed this shift in government attitude, noting that overzealous council leaders have often implemented policies that have negatively impacted drivers. This move is seen as a positive step toward addressing these concerns.

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