Low-traffic neighbourhoods set for review amid Tory ‘pro-motorist’ drive

The scheme's aim is to reduce pollution in quiet areas, but critics argue they push traffic onto other roads and cause more congestion - Carl Dinnen reports

Rishi Sunak has ordered a review of the rollout of low-traffic neighbourhoods as the Prime Minister said he was on the side of motorists.

The prime minister used an interview in the Sunday Telegraph to announce that he has ordered the Department for Transport to review low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) policies.

Under such plans, local councils attempt limit traffic in town and city centres – with drivers often prevented from using quiet residential roads as through-routes.

The measures are also designed to encourage uptake of other modes of transport.

But the adoption of the polices has attracted the ire of some Tory MPs, who have criticised the measures as attacks on motorists.

Mr Sunak told the Telegraph: “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.”

Labour dismissed the announcement and accused the government of “pure hypocrisy”.

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “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.”

But 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.

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

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

The prime minister is also facing pressure from some backbenchers to reconsider the deadline for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.

More than 40 Conservative MPs and peers, including prominent figures such as Lord Frost and Sir Jacob Rees Mogg, have written to Mr Sunak to claim the “time is right for a rethink” and warned of the dangers of a “heavy-handed ban”.

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