Labour accuse Tories of ‘pure hypocrisy’ after Rishi Sunak ordered review into LTNs that have been rolled out across the UK since pandemic – as PM poses in Margaret Thatcher’s old Rover and says he is ‘on the side of motorists’
- Prime Minister took aim at Labour ULEZ policies calling them ‘anti-motorist’
- Read: Rishi Sunak announces review of the roll out of ‘low-traffic neighborhoods’
The Tories have been accused of ‘pure hypocrisy’ after Rishi Sunak ordered a review into the LTNs that have been rolled out across the UK since the pandemic.
It comes as Mr Sunak declared he is now on the side of motorists as he ordered the Department for Transport to review LTN policies, which have proven unpopular among drivers and controversial in communities.
Labour has 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.
The Tories have been accused of ‘pure hypocrisy’ after Rishi Sunak (pictured) ordered a review into the LTNs that have been rolled out across the UK since the pandemic. Pictured: The PM yesterday with Margaret Thatcher’s old Rover at Sidcup’s summer fair
Mr Sunak declared he is now on the side of motorists as he ordered the Department for Transport to review LTN policies
Mr Sunak was yesterday seen looking positive as he explored the inside of an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
Labour has dismissed the announcement on LTNs and accused the Government of ‘pure hypocrisy’
‘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 backs ‘well-planned’ LTNs.
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 local concerns about the expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
Speaking on LBC today, one local woman from Lambeth in London, Angela, said residents in her area have been ‘locked in’ by LTNs and admitted she would now rather vote Conservative due to the issue.
‘I live in one, two, three LTNs, so myself and residents are actually locked in. There’s only one route in, and one route out,’ she told the show’s host, Sangita Myska.
‘There have been arguments, fights […]. It’s been disgraceful, it really has.’
Angela added: ‘Like I said I woke up to it – there’s no consultation whatsoever. Lambeth is not listening to its residents.’
Mr Sunak was yesterday seen looking positive as he explored the inside of an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, during a visit to Lark in the Park in Bexley, England.
Environmental auditor and campaigner Donnachadh McCarthy said on LBC: ‘The idea the PM would announce a policy where he wants to increase the number of kids being killed on our streets is just mind boggling.
‘13,000 kids are killed or injured on our roads, and an awful lot of those injuries happen in family neighbourhoods. And what LTNs do is they stop […] cars using family streets as rat runs.’
The Prime Minister announced that he has ordered the Department for Transport to review LTN policies
Yesterday Mr Sunak explained his decision, saying: ‘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.’
READ MORE: Ministers could ban councils from bringing in hated low-traffic schemes as the Tories mull a crackdown on controversial green policies
He also used his interview with the Sunday Telegraph to slam the Labour party as ‘quite anti-motorist’ amid anger over ULEZ expansion in London.
But in the same interview, Mr Sunak knocked back calls to change one major green policy – the 2030 deadline for a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
He said: ‘The 2030 target has been our policy for a long time and continues to be. We are not considering a delay to that date.’
The spread of LTNs in recent months has proven controversial in certain localities and has emerged as a concern among some on the right of the Conservative Party.
LTNs are used by 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.
Downing Street said this week that councils must ensure traffic restrictions ‘work for local people’ before imposing them.
The adoption of the polices has attracted the ire of some Tory MPs, who have criticised the measures as attacks on motorists.
Conservative MP Nick Fletcher suggested in the Commons earlier this year that traffic control plans being mooted by local councils across the UK were part of an ‘international socialist concept’ which would take away personal liberties.
LTNs are used by local councils attempt limit traffic in town and city centres – with drivers often prevented from using quiet residential roads as through-routes
Mr Sunak’s latest 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 local concerns about the expansion of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez).
That success has seen some 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.
Mr Sunak 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 said.
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