Remove local authority powers to introduce LTNs, CAZs, LEZs and ULEZs

We want the Government to remove local authority powers to introduce any charges or restrictions on the free use and movement of cars.

These schemes have not been voted for by the public and therefore there is no mandate.

These schemes, which impose charges or restrict car use, have been forced on the public. We believe elected representatives have not listened to their constituents and are pressing ahead with these schemes regardless, and that national and local government have forgotten that they are there to represent their constituents.

The Government wants to make sure traffic management is proportionate, has community support and delivers its objectives. The Plan for Drivers sets out plans to look again at how local councils use their powers to ensure they are acting fairly.

The Plan for Drivers can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/plan-for-drivers.

This follows the Prime Minister’s decision to review low-traffic neighbourhoods, which will report in due course.

It’s important to be clear that implementing these schemes are issues for local councils. The Government is carefully considering how this should operate in future.

With regard to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion, this was a decision taken by the Mayor of London, which the government has no power to overrule – other than ensuring that no government grant funding can be used to support the expansion.

The Government is carefully examining the issue of protections for drivers and will make further announcements in due course if necessary.

Department for Transport

This is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/637517)