Overview

• The government has paused Conservative-drafted measures to restrict Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones, with ministers describing the plans as speculative and of no benefit to drivers.
• Roads minister Lilian Greenwood said there are no current plans to change national guidance on 20mph limits, confirming decisions on lower speeds and LTNs rest with local authorities.
• Conservative shadow transport secretary Richard Holden condemned the move as a “secret war on drivers,” warning it would hurt local high streets and the wider economy.
• The Department for Transport pointed to recent investment, citing £500 million for resurfacing and £1 billion for bridges and other structures, and said the next steps on a new road safety strategy will be set out in due course.
• Shelved elements from the former Plan for Drivers included mandatory public meetings and greater weight for residents’ views, potential curbs on councils’ access to DVLA data for enforcement, and proposals aimed at so-called “15-minute cities.”