Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes, has welcomed new guidance that has been published as part of the Government’s Plan for Drivers.
This includes new guidance on the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods which have caused so much chaos in the local area in places like Brighton. Following the recent LTN review there is now requirements on local authorities to ensure Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have the support of local people.
This is good news for people in Lewes and Wealden where the Lib Dem's and Greens are running both councils and have campaigns to roll out blanket 20mph schemes on all roads and plans for further restrictions on car movements.
Any changes for drivers will now have to be something local people want as there were concerns that local councils had plans for 15 minute City Schemes which have caused so many problems in places like Lib Dem run Oxford.
Other measures being brought in by the Government include Lane rental schemes guidance –making it easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow drivers when conducting street works, and allowing the funds generated to be used to repair potholes.
£50 million investment to upgrade traffic signals – £30 million to replace outdated equipment, and £20 million to reduce poor traffic light performance through innovative technology that responds to live traffic conditions, for 80 local highway authorities across England to improve journey times and reduce congestion caused by red lights.
Noise camera research – showing local authorities the success of this technology to secure evidence to prosecute those who have illegally modified their vehicle’s exhaust.
Commenting on the plan, Maria Caulfield MP said:
“I am glad that this government is committed to supporting motorists, It is worrying that opposition parties such as the Lib Dems and Greens want to disrupt drivers lives as much as possible, such as supporting blanket 20mph speed limits and 15-minute cities.”