Crackdown on hated 20mph zones

MINISTERS say the Tories are ‘on the side of drivers’ after they launched a crackdown on blanket 20mph speed limits and low-traffic neighbourhoods.

Last night, Ministers unveiled plans to curb over-zealous councils by giving residents a greater say over traffic schemes. They also pledged to stop town halls turning motorists into ‘cash cows’ by enforcing unfair restrictions.

The proposals are part of the Government’s ‘Plan For Drivers’. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: ‘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, such as 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 are on the side of drivers.’

Research published by the Department for Transport showed that less than one in five people (18 per cent) felt that residents’ views had influenced councils’ decisions on road schemes.

But under draft plans coming into force this summer, town halls will be expected to ensure local people support road restrictions.

The move is coupled with plans to prevent town halls from profiting from how traffic restrictions are enforced, such as fines for entering yellow-box junctions.

But Labour transport spokesman Louise Haigh accused Mr Harper of ‘some brass neck in claiming you’re on the side of drivers when you’ve presided over a record backlog in pothole repairs’.

Last night, the AA warned that letting councils impose fines for yellow-box junctions left some drivers feeling like they were regarded as ‘wallets on wheels’.