Craig Mackinlay MP has welcomed new measures by the Conservative Government to tackle anti-driver road schemes and overzealous traffic enforcement, helping to reduce journey times for motorists as part of its long-term Plan for Drivers.
The South Thanet MP and Chairman of the pro-motorist All Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Fuel UK had previously successfully lobbied against a so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme Kent County Council briefly introduced in Albion Street, Broadstairs - much to the annoyance of local residents back in the autumn of 2020.
Draft statutory guidance for councils has been published on LTNs setting out that there must be community engagement and support for proposed schemes to ensure every LTN has local consent before it is implemented. The guidance - which will come into force this summer - aims to prevent councils having to reverse poorly implemented or locally unpopular schemes, as occurred in Labour-run council areas in Jesmond, Newcastle and Streatham Wells, London, often at significant cost.
Councils are also receiving strengthened guidance on setting 20mph speed limits, reminding them they should only be used in sensible and appropriate areas such as outside schools, and where safety and local support is at the heart of the decision. Alongside driving schemes, consultations are being launched to tackle overzealous enforcement and prevent local councils from turning drivers into ‘cash cows’ by profiting from traffic restrictions.
Meanwhile Welsh Labour are spending £40 million to roll out blanket 20mph speed limits which will cost the Welsh economy billions and is causing huge disruption to drivers, while also refusing to build any new roads, taking the nation back to square one. In London, Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan is raising millions of pounds every month through his ULEZ expansion, which unfairly targets businesses and those on the lowest income with a £12.50 tax every time they want to use their car.
Craig Mackinlay MP said:
“People across Thanet rely on car journeys every day to get to work, visit the shops, and see friends and family. So, I understand the frustration when those journeys are delayed by unwanted LTNs and 20mph limits.
“That’s why I successfully lobbied Kent County Council to promptly remove the ill thought out traffic scheme they previously imposed on residents in Albion Street in Broadstairs.
“This new guidance from national Government will allow local authorities to find workable ideas to address congestion issues in and around Thanet, while ensuring that the views of local residents form the backbone of any future plans.”
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper MP added:
“We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact.
“Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community.
“We’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.”