Sunak says 20mph covered areas and low traffic neighborhoods 'need to stop'

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Rishi Sunak has said he is “putting the brakes on” “far-fetched plans” such as blanket 20mph speed limits and low traffic neighborhoods (LTNs).

The Prime Minister pledged to focus on policies to stem “relentless attacks on motorists”.

He told The Sun: “I'm putting the brakes on the war against motorists – it's as simple as that. »

The remarks come as his Conservative administration at Westminster announced a raft of pro-driving measures ahead of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Sunday.

The Department of Transport (DfT) said guidance would be reviewed on 20mph limits to “prevent their widespread use in areas where this is not appropriate”.

The same firm would be applied to LTNs in England to "Focus on local consent", officials said.

The Department of Whitehall also announced that a national parking platform pilot would be rolled out, meaning that Drivers should only have to use an app of their choice to pay for parking. instead of downloading multiple apps.

Ahead of the DfT's announcement on Friday, Mr Sunak said the Labour-led Welsh Government's decision to lower the default speed limit from 30mph to 20 mph for restricted roads was “not good”. ” and the UK government would take a “different approach”.

He confirmed that local councils across England are facing crackdowns over “overzealous” enforcement of parking and yellow junctions. Charges will also be levied on utility companies that dig roads at peak times, with extra money diverted to repairing potholes, it has been confirmed.

Rishi Sunak pledged to be on the side of motorists

(PA Wire)

As part of the package measures, DfT officials said guidelines would be strengthened to ensure bus lanes only operate "when necessary" and a consultation will be launched on motorbikes using bus lanes.

< p>Further details are expected to be provided in Transport Secretary Mark Harper's speech to Conservative members on Monday.

< p>In a statement, Mr Harper said: "Too often the private car is vilified even though it has been one of the most powerful forces for personal freedom and economic growth.

“This is why the government is making the necessary long-term decision to support...