- Rishi Sunak Orders Review of Low-Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) Policy
- Labour Accuses PM of Reversing LTNs Acceleration
- Councils Best Positioned to Make LTN Decisions, Says Local Government Association (LGA)
LTNs seek to reduce traffic by preventing drivers from using quiet residential roads as through-routes, but critics say they have created traffic hotspots that force people to spend more time in their vehicles.
Rishi Sunak has ordered a review of the implementation of low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs), citing his support for motorists.
In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, the prime minister stated that he had ordered the Department of Transport to reconsider LTN policies, which seek to make residential areas cleaner and safer for pedestrians.
Labour also accused the PM of reversing the Conservatives’ acceleration of LTNs across the nation, arguing that local communities should have the final say.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the party’s shadow international trade secretary, stated that it was “staggering” that Mr. Sunak was positioning himself as a friend of commuters, adding that it was “yet another press release” from the prime minister.
Mr. Sunak told the newspaper, “The vast majority of people in the nation depend on and rely on their automobiles for transportation. When I return to my home in North Yorkshire, it is more representative of how the majority of the country lives, where automobiles play a significant role.
“I just want people to know I’m on their side when it comes to using their cars for all the things that matter to them.”
Review of Conservative’s environmental policy
Mr. Sunak’s appeal to vehicles and car owners follows the Conservatives’ narrow victory in a by-election in Uxbridge and Ruislip earlier this month, in which the Conservative candidate tapped into local concerns about the expansion of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ).
Some on the right of the party have urged the prime minister to reconsider net zero to attack Labour’s green ambitions, while others have urged him to stay the course.
In a letter published today, 43 Conservative MPs and peers urged Mr. Sunak to extend the timetable for banning the sale of petrol and diesel automobiles from 2030 to 2035.
The politicians, including former minister Sir Jacob-Rees Mogg and ex-party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, referred to the policy as “heavy-handed” and asserted that it would “severely damage the economy.”
The prime minister insists he will adhere to the 2030 deadline. However, Downing Street confirmed last week that ministers were examining existing pledges “in light of some of the cost of living challenges”
The LTN argument
Under LTNs, local councils attempt to limit traffic in town and city centers, preventing drivers from using peaceful residential roads as through-routes and promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation.
However, opponents of the plan assert that it has created traffic bottlenecks, resulting in people spending more time in their cars.
The adoption of LTN policies has infuriated some Tory MPs who have criticized the measures as assaults on motorists, and in recent months, it has become a source of concern for some on the right of the Conservative Party.
Nick Fletcher, a member of the Conservative Party, suggested in the House of Commons earlier this year that proposed traffic control plans by local councils across the United Kingdom were part of an “international socialist concept” that would restrict individual liberties.
Mr. Thomas-Symonds stated that his party was “in favor of well-planned, low-traffic neighborhoods,” but added, “These decisions must be made by local communities.”
“There are local communities throughout the United States that want to reduce traffic in their neighborhoods and advocate for low-traffic areas. There are additional locations where local considerations must be taken into account.”
“Vacant words”
Aiming Mr. Sunak, the shadow minister stated, “I must say, I’ve seen some coverage this morning claiming that the prime minister is posing as the motorists’ friend, which I find astounding.
“This is the prime minister who personally slashed the allocation for filling potholes to the point where the money could have filled eight million potholes from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back.
“This is the prime minister who, when petrol retailers failed to pass on price drops to consumers, refused to implement mandatory measures.
As always, I believe you must evaluate this administration based on their actions and not their rhetoric.
The Local Government Association (LGA) stated that a national review was “unnecessary” and that councils were “in the best position to make decisions.”
Linda Taylor, spokesperson, stated, “It is essential that we consult with all residents and businesses to determine the best ways to alleviate congestion and improve air quality for all.”
“However, councils are in the greatest position to make decisions with their communities to improve the lives of individuals and businesses.
“As democratic organizations, they perpetually evaluate all types of services and programs in light of local conditions. A national assessment is therefore unnecessary.”
