The Transport Secretary has today made a series of fresh announcements as we continue to implement The Plan for Drivers, taking action to ensure drivers are treated fairly and the voices of local people heard when traffic management schemes are considered. This includes:
• New guidance on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – following the recent LTN review, this sets out the requirements on local authorities to ensure Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have the support of local people.
• 20mph speed limit guidance – strengthened guidance restricting 20mph limits to where they are sensible and appropriate, not on all roads indiscriminately, and with safety and local support at the heart of the decision.
• Call for evidence on restricting a local authority’s ability to profit from enforcing traffic restrictions – seeking evidence on the way local authorities carry out enforcement and how any surpluses generated should be used.
• Bus lane guidance – ensuring they only operate when it makes sense, for example when traffic is heavy enough to delay buses.
• Consultation on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes by default– so journeys are quicker for those who choose two wheels.
• Lane rental schemes guidance –making it easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow drivers when conducting street works, and allowing the funds generated to be used to repair potholes.
• £50 million investment to upgrade traffic signals – £30 million to replace outdated equipment, and £20 million to reduce poor traffic light performance through innovative technology that responds to live traffic conditions, for 80 local highway authorities across England to improve journey times and reduce congestion caused by red lights.
• Consultation on removing the right of uninsured drivers to claim compensation for property damage – a matter of fairness for law-abiding road users and something that we can now do having left the European Union. • Noise camera research – showing local authorities the success of this technology to secure evidence to prosecute those who have illegally modified their vehicle’s exhaust.
Our Plan for Drivers has already made significant progress on disruptive roadworks, cutting traffic and increasing EV charging provision - one of my key local campaigns. Today's announcements build on this progress, demonstrating that the Conservatives remain firmly on the side of road users.
