Labour declares war on drivers by supporting 20mph zones and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
The Transport Secretary has insisted that 20mph zones and LTNs are local issues
PA/GETTY
The new Labour Government has refused to budge on its stance towards Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits despite complaints from drivers.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh reinforced her position on the traffic measures stating that it is not the responsibility of the Government but a decision local authorities should make.
Haigh, who is the MP for Sheffield Heeley, warned that if local councils deem 20mph speed limits of LTNs necessary, then “that’s got my full backing”.
She said the Department for Transport wants to move away from the “culture wars” that alienated local authorities from the Government and instead offer “full support” to councils in England.
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Louise Haigh stated funding for LTNs and 20mphs zones would be considered in the Budget
GETTYThe previous Conservative Government launched a review into LTNs earlier this year after residents around the UK complained that they were being used to rake in money rather than reducing traffic.
A Channel 4 programme found that London councils issued more than £118million in fines for vehicles entering LTNs between January 2023 and March 2024.
In March, a consultation was launched to target the use of DVLA data by councils to enforce “substandard” LTNs and other anti-motorist traffic schemes.
LTNs are enforced by CCTV cameras with drivers who are caught risking a £130 fine, but this is reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days. However, if the charge is not paid, the penalty could increase to £195.
Haigh said: “Where we will absolutely differ, as I say, is this provocation of culture wars. It’s really, really difficult for local authorities when they’ve not got that air cover from Government.
“And not only did they not have the air cover, but they also had the government actively working against them saying ‘No, you’re not allowed to roll out 20mph zones, no, you’re not allowed to roll out LTNs.”
She added that decisions should “absolutely be made at a local level” by communities and not “dictated to or stoked up by the centre”.
The Transport Secretary added that local authorities would be given “full support to roll out schemes”.
“This Government has ended all culture wars full stop, but there’s no way you’ll be hearing that from this department now,” she stated.
Funding will also be considered in the upcoming October Budget for councils to then use to improve road conditions. She revealed that cycle lanes would be passed over to local authorities to make decisions on.
Haigh commented: “We’re certainly not shying away from the target of getting 50 per cent short journeys walking and cycling and that will have to be delivered by local authorities, so anybody who wants to do that work, they’ll have the Department for Transport’s full backing.”
“There’s no way me sitting in my office in the DfT can say ‘This road in Chester should be a 20mph road or not’, it’s completely ridiculous, so if they want to do that then that’s got my full backing."
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LTNs are enforced by CCTV cameras
PANicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: “Low traffic neighbourhoods are a controversial issue, and our research shows the number of motorists impacted is increasing.
“More Councils are rolling out the schemes in their areas and the number of individual LTNs is also rising. When driving in major towns and cities, motorists should try to keep their sat navs up to date and look out for any new road signs to avoid being caught out for driving new LTNs.”
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