In an effort to “side with motorists,” Rishi Sunak has ordered a study of the implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).
Such plans restrict traffic in town and city centres, and drivers are frequently prohibited from utilising residential roads as cut-through routes.
The efforts aim to lessen air pollution and promote the use of other forms of transportation.
Some Tory MPs, however, have opposed the plans, claiming they are an attack on drivers.
Mr. Sunak stated in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph that the vast majority of people in the nation depend on their cars to get around. It’s more typical of how the majority of the country lives when I’m fortunate enough to return home to North Yorkshire, where cars are vital.
I simply want to let everyone know that I support their decision to utilise their cars for all of the things that are important to them.
The Conservative candidate used worries over the development of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) to gain a close victory in the Uxbridge and Ruislip by-election earlier this month. This led to the pitch to drivers and automobile owners.
In an effort to criticise Labour’s environmental goals, Tory MPs on the right of the party have urged Mr. Sunak to reconsider net zero in light of their achievements.
Traffic management strategies, according to Conservative MP Nick Fletcher, are a part of a “international socialist concept,” he said in the Commons earlier this year.
The criticism of LTNs by Mr. Sunak is not new.
He pledged a study to take into account their impact on emergency services during the Tory leadership election last summer.
He intensified his criticism on Sir Keir Starmer in the same interview as the debate over the Ulez plan, which is being promoted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Following the setback in Uxbridge, the Labour leader and other senior party figures have urged Mr. Khan to review the strategy.
While highlighting the critical need to clean up the city’s air, the mayor of the capital has pledged to pay attention to Londoners.
“I’ve grown a little more concerned about the Labour Party’s stance.” It’s really anti-motorist,” argued Mr. Sunak.