The ruling Conservative party in the UK has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at making life easier for motorists across the country. The 30-point “plan for drivers” includes measures to crackdown on inconsiderate driving, council profiteering, and unreliable infrastructure.
One of the key focuses of the new agenda is addressing what the party refers to as “anti-driver” policies. This includes the introduction of low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) and the enforcement of reduced speed limits in residential areas. The government plans to update the guidance for 20mph zones and LTNs, ensuring that they are only implemented where there is local support.
In addition, the government aims to make fines for traffic offenses fairer and prevent local authorities from profiting from enforcement. It also intends to prevent the introduction of “15-minute cities” by local authorities. These cities aim to provide all necessary amenities within a 15-minute walking radius, but the government believes they could lead to excessive traffic restrictions and car use rationing.
To prevent the introduction of 15-minute cities, the government will bar local authorities pursuing such measures from accessing Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data. This will limit their ability to implement these policies effectively.
Under the category of “smoother driving,” the government plans to reduce the failure rate of road infrastructure and minimize downtime caused by repairs. It will invest £70 million to improve traffic lights, focusing on enhancing their reliability and responsiveness to road conditions. Additionally, £20 million will be allocated to explore the use of artificial intelligence in managing traffic flow in city centers.
The government will also introduce revised guidance on the use of bus lanes to ensure they facilitate rather than hinder traffic flow. Measures to address road closures include expanding lane-rental schemes, which incentivize utility companies to close roads at quieter times. There will also be a consultation on increasing fines for road closures.
In line with the government’s commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), it plans to increase the rate of grid connections for charger operators. This will help alleviate the bottleneck in the development of charging infrastructure. The eligibility criteria for EV charger grants will also be widened to include solutions that improve accessibility for drivers who have to park at the kerbside.
To improve communication about the transition to electric cars, the government will consult with the industry to address concerns and dispel myths. This will help encourage more drivers to adopt EVs and contribute to reducing emissions.
The government also aims to address what it considers unfair enforcement of the law against motorists. It plans to introduce harsher penalties for inconsiderate driving, including allowing local authorities to install noise cameras to penalize those with illegally loud exhausts. There will also be increased camera enforcement against littering from cars.
To combat improper lane usage on motorways and behaviors such as tailgating, a communications campaign will be launched. This campaign aims to raise awareness and promote safer driving practices among motorists.
The Conservative party’s new pro-motorist agenda is seen as an effort to cultivate support ahead of the expected general election next year. The party was galvanized by the recent defeat of the rival Labour party in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, which was widely attributed to controversy surrounding Labour London mayor Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Overall, the Conservative party’s plan for drivers addresses various issues faced by motorists in the UK. By cracking down on inconsiderate driving, council profiteering, and unreliable infrastructure, the government aims to make life easier for drivers and improve road safety across the country.