UK Transport Minister Clears Path for More 20mph Speed Zones
The former government called such policies — designed to make streets safer and reduce pollution — a “war on motorists.”
20mph road signs in Brynawel, Wales.
Photographer: Ben Birchall - PA Images via Getty Images
The UK’s new Labour transport minister said she plans to support local authorities who want to introduce 20 mile-per-hour speed zones, cycle lanes and Low Traffic Neighborhoods, an abrupt break from the previous government’s “ridiculous” approach to what it called “anti-motorist” measures.
Louise Haigh, who heads the Department for Transport, said in an interview that she will “end the culture wars” that made transport policy so charged under the previous Conservative administration. As part of a new focus on reversing a decline in the nation’s health she listed a series of changes, including multi-year funding for walking and cycling infrastructure.