The Conservative Party has pledged to introduce a new law aimed at curbing what it describes as “unnecessary restrictions” on drivers if re-elected, as part of a broader effort to align itself with motorists. The proposed legislation would include reversing the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) and allowing local communities to hold referendums on the implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).
The move comes as part of the Tories’ broader strategy to position themselves as defenders of drivers, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accusing Labour of waging a “war on drivers” through various traffic and environmental regulations. Sunak took particular aim at Labour leaders in Westminster and Cardiff Bay, criticizing policies like Ulez and 20mph speed limits in residential areas.
One key aspect of the Conservative proposal is a promise to prevent any future “pay-per-mile” taxes, a system that could charge drivers based on the distance they drive, the type of car they use, and the time of day they travel. The system has been floated as a potential replacement for vehicle excise duty (VED), commonly known as car tax, which generates billions in revenue but is not currently levied on electric vehicles. As more drivers switch to electric cars, the government faces a potential revenue shortfall, making road-pricing schemes an attractive option for some policymakers.
However, the Conservatives’ proposed bill would block such measures, which have received mixed reactions from industry figures and drivers. The Transport Select Committee has previously suggested road-pricing technologies could help tackle congestion.
Ulez and Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods
The Tories also pledged to reverse the recent expansion of the Ulez in London. First introduced in 2019 to tackle air pollution, the Ulez now covers the entirety of Greater London, with drivers of vehicles that do not meet emissions standards required to pay a £12.50 daily charge. The expansion has been highly controversial, sparking protests across the capital and leading to vandalism of Ulez cameras and signs.
In addition, the Conservatives promised to give local residents more control over Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph speed limits. These schemes, designed to reduce traffic in residential areas by restricting their use as through routes, have also been divisive. Under the proposed bill, local communities would have the power to hold binding referendums on new LTN schemes or existing ones if 15% of residents sign a petition.
Reactions
Labour criticized the Conservative announcement as “desperate stuff from a government that has run out of road.” A Labour spokesperson argued that decisions about local traffic measures should be left to local communities, not dictated by Westminster politicians, and promised to focus on tackling high car insurance costs and improving transport infrastructure.
The Liberal Democrats also weighed in, calling the Conservative proposal “pure hypocrisy,” pointing to previous government decisions that impacted drivers.
With the next general election approaching, the debate over driving policies and traffic regulations is heating up, as political parties vie to win over motorists frustrated by the increasing cost of driving and new traffic restrictions.