Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently unveiled the Conservative Party’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 general election. The manifesto contains several promises aimed at addressing issues that concern drivers in the UK. One of the key highlights of the document is the Backing Drivers Bill, which seeks to introduce new restrictions on blanket 20mph zones, prohibit pay-per-mile road tax schemes, and reverse the recent expansion of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in outer London.
The proposed legislation builds upon the government’s ‘Plan For Drivers’ initiative and includes measures to extend restrictions on 20mph zones to Wales, require local referendums for such schemes, and give residents the right to challenge existing controversial schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Additionally, the Conservative Party plans to ban pay-per-mile road pricing, despite recommendations from the Transport Select Committee to explore such a scheme. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, argues that such a tax model would disproportionately affect the less affluent members of society.
Moreover, the Conservatives have pledged to unilaterally reverse the ULEZ expansion in London, citing a moderate to minor impact on emissions. Although the government currently lacks the authority to overturn the scheme, the proposed Backing Driver’s Bill would provide the necessary means to do so. Furthermore, the manifesto includes provisions to empower mayors and local authorities to construct strategic new roads to improve traffic flow and address the country’s pothole problem with an £8.3 billion funding commitment.
In addition to these initiatives, the Conservative Party has reiterated its support for PumpWatch, a scheme aimed at providing motorists with real-time fuel pricing data, and the development of a National Parking Platform app to simplify parking payments at public car parks.
The announcement of the Conservative Party manifesto follows the unveiling of the Liberal Democrats’ plans, which include reinstating the EV plug-in car grant. Other major parties are expected to release their election manifestos later in the week, with Labour’s conference scheduled for Thursday, June 13th.
Overall, the Conservative Party’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive set of proposals to address various issues affecting drivers in the UK, from road taxes and emissions zones to traffic flow and pothole repairs. As the general election approaches, these commitments will likely play a significant role in shaping the debate around transportation policies and infrastructure development in the country.