The Government has vowed to “protect drivers from over-zealous traffic enforcement” by clamping down on measures such as 20mph limits, bus lanes and fines for traffic offences.

The Government is reviewing guidance on 20mph speed limits in England “to prevent their blanket use”

The plans, set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, also include amending guidance on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and work to stop councils implementing ‘15-minute cities’.

The Government said it would end the “blanket imposition of anti-driver policies”. Rather than working to tackle congestion, air pollution and climate change by pushing drivers away from car use, it’s now said it’s planning to “support the majority who drive, by keeping motoring costs under control and ensure people have the freedom to drive as they need to in their daily lives”.

The Conservatives’ narrow win in June 2023’s Uxbridge byelection shows the power of pro-driver policies. Many – including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his shadow team – said the Tory win was due to the Labour Mayor’s plans to expand the ULEZ.

More recently, the PM has rowed back on a raft of eco policies, including pushing the 2030 ICE ban back to 2035 in a bid to win over drivers ahead of the upcoming general election.

Now, the Government has said the “new long-term government plan will support drivers and put the brakes on anti-car measures”.

It’s reviewing guidance on 20mph speed limits in England “to prevent their blanket use in areas where it’s not appropriate”.

The announcement comes two weeks after the default residential speed limit in Wales was cut to 20mph, causing huge controversy. A petition calling for a U-turn has received more than 443,000 signatures while Wales’ deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, faced a no confidence vote but survived.

In Friday’s announcement, the Government has also said it will now amend guidance on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods “to focus on local consent”.

The plans also aim to stop councils implementing so-called ‘15-minute cities’, by consulting on ways to prevent schemes “which aggressively restrict where people can drive”.

Other measures include introducing new technology to simplify parking payments. The National Parking Platform pilot will roll out nationwide so drivers can use an app of their choice to pay, instead of downloading multiple apps.

The Government also said it’s working to tackle potholes by supporting councils to introduce more Lane Rental schemes, where utility companies are required to pay to dig up the busiest roads at peak times. Under the proposals, at least half of the extra money raised from these fees will go directly towards repairing road surfaces while the Government will consult on extending fines for repairs which run into weekends and increasing current levels of Fixed Penalty Notices.

Separately, a call for evidence will launch on options to “restrict the ability of local authorities to generate revenue surpluses from traffic offences and over-zealous traffic enforcement, such as yellow box junctions”.

And the Department for Transport will expand guidance to make sure bus lanes only operate when necessary and a consultation will launch on motorcycles using bus lanes.

Further measures and full plans will arrive in the coming days.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “For too long politicians have focused on the short-term decisions with little regard for the long-term impact on hardworking families.

“We’ve seen this consistently with people’s freedoms on transport. The clampdown on drivers is an attack on the day to day lives of most people across the UK who rely on cars to get to work or see their families.

“This week, the UK government will set out a long-term plan to back drivers, slamming the brakes on anti-car measures across England. We are taking the necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: “Too often the private car is vilified when it has been one of the most powerful forces for personal freedom and economic growth. That’s why the Government is taking the long-term, necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving.

“We’re introducing a plan to ensure drivers can enjoy smoother journeys, park more easily and no longer face unfair and oppressive traffic enforcement measures.

“Our plan will sit alongside our continued investment in public transport and active travel as part of a package of measures designed to help people travel in the best way that works for them.”

However, the plans haven’t been welcomed by everyone.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s extremely positive to see issues that affect the nation’s 33 million car drivers being given such prominence ahead of a general election. At the same time, it’s important to consider the needs of all road users, particularly as many drivers can also be pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders, and vice versa. While this will always be a balancing act, we have to match competing priorities such as safety, time-efficient travel with tackling traffic congestion and improving air quality.”