Rishi Sunak orders review of low traffic neighbourhoods

Rishi Sunak has ordered a review of the rollout of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), putting himself on the ‘side of motorists’.

Under such plans, traffic is limited in towns and city centres – with drivers often barred from using residential roads as cut-throughs.

The measures are designed to reduce air pollution and encourage uptake of other modes of transport.

But the policies have been criticised by some Tory MPs, who say they are an attacks on motorists.

Labour dismissed the announcement and accused the Government of ‘pure hypocrisy’.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Sunak said: ‘The vast majority of people in the country use their cars to get around and are dependent on their cars. When I’m lucky enough to get home to North Yorkshire it’s more representative of how most of the country is living, where cars are important.

‘I just want to make sure people know that I’m on their side in supporting them to use their cars to do all the things that matter to them.’

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said ‘it is pure hypocrisy to see them denounce a policy they have been instrumental in introducing and accelerating at pace.’

She added: ‘The Conservatives accelerated and funded the use of LTNs, so it is pure hypocrisy to see them denounce a policy they have been instrumental in introducing and accelerating at pace.

‘Measures to improve road safety around schools and in residential streets are often demanded by local communities themselves.

‘That’s why these are decisions for local authorities and must be done with proper consultation and taking on board the concerns of communities.’

Shadow international trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds, speaking to Times Radio, said Labour backed ‘well-planned’ LTNs.

the Local Government Association told the Prime Minister that a nationwide review is ‘unnecessary’.

Transport spokeswoman Linda Taylor said: ‘It is important that we consult with all residents and businesses to find the best solutions to ease congestion and improve air quality for everyone.

‘However, it is councils who are best placed to make decisions with their communities in improving the lives of people and businesses.

‘As democratic organisations they continually review all kinds of services and schemes based on local circumstances. Therefore, a national review is unnecessary.’

She said local authorities instead need ‘long-term certainty of funding’ and ‘consistency’ in policymaking to invest in transport schemes.

The pitch to motorists and car owners comes after the Conservatives’ narrow victory in the Uxbridge and Ruislip by-election earlier this month, which saw the Tory candidate tap into concerns about the expansion of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez).

That success has seen Tory MPs on the right of the party urge Mr Sunak to engage in a rethink on net zero, amid hopes of attacking Labour’s green ambitions.

Conservative MP Nick Fletcher suggested in the Commons earlier this year that traffic control plans were part of an ‘international socialist concept’.

This is not the first time Mr Sunak has hit out at LTNs.

In last summer’s Tory leadership contest, he promised a review to consider their impact on emergency services.

In the same interview, he doubled-down on attacks on Sir Keir Starmer amid the row over the Ulez scheme, which is being pushed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Labour leader and other senior party have called on Mr Khan to reflect on the policy following the Uxbridge defeat.

The capital’s mayor has promised to listen to Londoners, while also stressing the urgent need to clean up the city’s air.

‘I’ve become slightly more alarmed by the Labour Party’s position. It’s quite anti-motorist,’ Mr Sunak claimed.

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