Transport Secretary fires warning on “over-zealous” council traffic management policies

The Transport Secretary Mark Harper has threatened to cut councils off the DVLA database if they implement "over-zealous traffic management measures", as part of a plan to oppose 15-minute cities, ULEZ expansion and low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).

Announcing plans to "back drivers” at the Conservative PartyConference in Manchester today (2 October) Harper said: "I am calling time on the misuse of so-called 15-minute cities. There's nothing wrong with making sure people can walk or cycle to the shops or school. That's traditional town planning.

"But what is different, what is sinister, and what we shouldn't tolerate, is the idea that local councils can decide how often you go to the shops, and that they can ration who uses the roads and when, and that they police it all with CCTV."

He added that the Government  would investigate how it can "restrict over-zealous use of traffic management measures," including cutting off councils from the DVLA database if they don't follow the rules.

The Government will also change the guidance to ensure that councils "properly listen" to what residents say about LTNs.

Harper claimed that 20mph zones are being used by some councils to "punish drivers" as blanket measures.

He said: "The evidence is clear – this makes little difference, may actually increase pollution, and risks motorists ignoring 20mph zones where they are needed,

"So, we will change the DfT's guidance, requiring councils to only use 20mph zones where there's a good reason, and underlining that 30mph is the default speed limit on urban roads."

Under Harper's plans, the Government will also "put a stop to some councils using unfair fines as a money-spinner".

"We will put a stop to councils profiting from traffic offences, clawing back revenue, and removing any temptation to exploit you for profit," he said.

Responding to the speech, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “Councils want to work with the Government to make our roads safe and attractive for everyone who uses them. However, it is councils - who know their communities best - that should be trusted to make local transport decisions with their local residents, not Whitehall.

“They must continue to have the ability to work with local residents on any measures which can help improve road safety and air quality and reduce congestion.

“Removing the ability of all councils to enforce moving traffic violations would be a backwards step that will risk creating a two tier transport system between London and the rest of the country.”

Adam Carey