Tories backtrack on Ulez expansion and speed limits in Wales
- Tories promise to reverse the expansion of Ulez in Wales and limit road speed to 20mph.
- Government plans to introduce a 'back drivers' bill and mandate local referendums for new traffic schemes.
- Labour criticizes Tories for their stance on drivers and accuses them of poor record.
The Conservatives are promising to reverse the expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez) in London if they are re-elected. Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, faced backlash when he expanded the scheme to cover all of Greater London. The Conservatives plan to introduce a "backing drivers Bill" to support drivers and undo the expansion of Ulez. They criticize Labour for policies like the 20mph go-slow in Wales and the Ulez zone in London. The proposed bill would use Westminster powers to reverse local decisions on transport policy, including Ulez expansion and 20mph zones. The Conservatives aim to empower drivers and challenge traffic measures like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. They also pledge to stop "pay-per-mile road taxes" and focus on improving road safety and reducing congestion. Labour criticizes the Conservatives' approach, emphasizing their focus on small businesses and stability.