The Conservatives will look to scrap London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone while blocking blanket 20mph zones if they are re-elected in the upcoming General Election.
In a statement, the party said that a ‘Backing Drivers Bill’ would be tabled were the party kept in power with the policy helping to ‘protect drivers from draconian policies of local Labour politicians’.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We will reverse Sadiq Khan’s unfair Ulez expansion and rule out any blanket 20-mile-an-hour zones because we are on the drivers’ side. And we will rule out any pay-per-mile road tax to keep costs for drivers down.
“There’s a clear choice at this election – Labour who will continue to penalise drivers or the Conservatives who will back drivers.”
At present, drivers of the most polluting vehicles have to pay a £12.50 daily charge if they enter the ULEZ zone, which covers the vast majority of Greater London. The Congestion Charge - which is applied to much of central London - must be paid for in addition to this alongside any other tolls, such as the Dartford Crossing. However, ULEZ-compliant vehicles won’t need to pay these charges.
Prior to being re-elected in May 2024, Sadiq Khan, who has served as mayor of London since 2016, ruled out any further expansion of the zone and in a letter to the capital’s transport commissioner Andy Lord said that he had ‘categorically’ ruled out the introduction of a pay-per-mile scheme alongside any further ULEZ changes.
He wrote: “There is clearly still more to do to tackle air pollution, and I’m determined to continue leading from the front in London.
“But my commitment to Londoners is this will not include a new pay-per-mile road user charging scheme or amending the standards for the Ulez scheme.
“The introduction and expansion of the Ulez has been necessary and effective. But now it’s in place and working, I will ensure the goalposts are not moved for drivers.”
The Welsh Government introduced a blanket ‘default’ speed limit of 20mph in December 2023, covering built-up areas in places such as villages, towns and cities. However, it was met with stiff opposition - including more than half a million petition signatures asking for the move to be scrapped - which resulted in the government announcing a reversal of the scheme with some roads reverted back to their original 30mph limit.
It comes alongside a release by campaign group Pothole Partnership that asked the UK’s major political parties to prioritise potholes in their manifesto commitments. It asked for a limit on temporary road repairs and for funding to tackle potholes to be increased.
Edmund King, president of the AA, which is part of the group said: “It is costing drivers a fortune but tragically costing lives for those on two wheels.
“Permanently fixing potholes would be one of the most popular political proposals as it affects everyone and the economy.
“It is also the number one concern for 96% of drivers who want permanent solutions rather than a patchwork approach.”
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