Sadiq Khan is facing fresh criticism after a confidential Transport for London (TfL) document outlining stricter driving and parking measures was photographed on the Tube.
The document, seen in the hands of a local government official on June 3, contains a list of proposed changes that could significantly affect drivers in London. These include expanding controlled parking zones, raising permit prices, increasing the number of double yellow lines, and reducing available parking spaces.
The proposals appear to come from Jack Maizels, a senior spatial policy advisor at TfL. He works on the London Plan – a strategy that guides how the capital develops over the next two decades. While TfL has denied that these ideas are part of the London Plan, the document has raised concerns among motorists and political figures.
Conservative MP Nick Timothy accused the Mayor of “planning to expand his war on motorists,” warning that it could make life more difficult for people who rely on cars for work, school runs, or caring responsibilities.
This isn't the first time Khan has been criticised for car-related policies. He expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), which charges £12.50 a day for non-compliant vehicles, and is due to increase the Congestion Charge from £15 to £18 in January 2026.
The leaked TfL document, marked “confidential,” outlines several further ideas, including:
- Emissions-based parking charges
- Higher parking permit fees
- More double yellow lines
- Reduced car parking in favour of cycling and public transport
- Extra charges for parking in popular destinations
- Lower speed limits, with more 20mph zones enforced by cameras
- Streets reserved for buses and bikes
One of the most controversial suggestions is reallocating car parking spaces to “other modes” of transport, such as cycle lanes or public spaces. This echoes past recommendations by environmental groups to convert a quarter of London’s on-street parking into alternatives like mini green spaces or bike storage.
In 2023, Jack Maizels tweeted: “The idea that prioritising cars somehow provides people with more choice is the biggest misconception in transport.”
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “We’ve already seen a clampdown on drivers in London, and this list feels like the final nail in the coffin. If parking is removed, how are Londoners expected to cope?”
A spokesperson for TfL responded: “This document is not part of the London Plan or any official transport policy. It’s simply a list of potential ideas that boroughs might consider when planning local transport improvements.”
