Rishi Sunak pledges to scrap Ulez expansion and ban low-traffic neighbourhoods if Tories win election

Rishi Sunak promises to end the 'war on drivers'

Rishi Sunak has vowed to end the "war on drivers" by reversing the expansion of the Ulez daily car charge if the Tories win the election. The Prime Minister plans to bring in legislation to prevent Labour from imposing additional costs on motorists.

New regulations if re-elected

Under the new regulations proposed by Sunak, drivers whose vehicles fail emission standards and are subject to the Ulez charge would no longer have to pay £12.50 a day. Additionally, the introduction of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph zones would require a local poll, with a vote to bin the scheme if 15% of residents object.

Fears over road taxes

The pledge also includes a block on any pay-per-mile road taxes, amid concerns that Labour politicians may consider implementing such measures. Tory fears were raised after road user charging technology was tested in London, and Mayor Sadiq Khan expanded the Ulez to the capital's outer areas last August.

Empowering drivers and local residents

Transport Secretary Mark Harper accused Labour of aiming to "tax drivers off the roads." Sunak emphasized the importance of empowering drivers and local residents to challenge traffic-inducing measures like LTNs that were implemented without local consent, ensuring people can drive as needed for their daily lives.