The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan by delivering its Plan for Drivers, giving local people a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them by cracking down on anti-driver road schemes, overzealous traffic enforcement and strengthening guidance on 20mph limits.
Jill Mortimer has welcomed new measures by the Conservative Government to tackle anti-driver road schemes and overzealous traffic enforcement, helping to reduce journey times for motorists as part of its long-term Plan for Drivers.
The plan follows Labour penalising drivers in Wales and London with blanket 20mph limits and the expanded ULEZ charge.
Draft statutory guidance for councils has been published on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), setting out that there must be community engagement and support for proposed schemes to ensure every LTN has local consent before it is implemented.
The guidance will come into force this summer to tackle recent problems highlighted with councils introducing LTNs without public support, causing huge disruption for drivers.
£50 million has also been announced to upgrade traffic lights across 80 highway authorities, improving journey times and reducing congestion caused by red lights.
Jill Mortimer said: “People across Hartlepool rely on car journeys every day to get to work, visit the shops, and see friends and family. So, I understand the frustration when those journeys are delayed by unwanted LTNs and 20mph limits.
“Under this Conservative Government, we’re sticking to the plan to improve journeys for drivers, ensuring local councils engage with the community ahead of any traffic schemes being introduced so that only those with support will go ahead.
“Only Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives are on the side of drivers as they take the long-term decisions to make road journeys easier, fairer and cheaper as we build a brighter future.”
Commenting, Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP 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, like 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’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.”