New 30-point plan pledges to make life easier for drivers

There have been a lot of road related policies implemented in the past few years, and now the Conservative Party has unveiled a 30-point plan aimed at clamping down on what some view as ‘anti-driver’ measures.  

Smoother journeys 

The Government says the plan is all about making everything as easy as possible for drivers. One element is a plan is to optimise bus lanes, so they’re only operational when the buses are running, and can otherwise be used to help the flow of traffic.  

There’s also a focus on making fixing road issues much more efficient, including a suggestion that local authorities should be required to use at least 50% of any surplus for pothole repairs and road resurfacing. 

Stopping unfair enforcement 

In order to make things as fair as possible for drivers, the Government is looking at adjusting the new 20mph speed limits, and implementing them only in areas they’re needed, and not as a blanket speed limit.  

They’re also planning to make fines fairer. The Government is looking to make sure traffic fines are consistent, and not disproportional to the offence. They’ll also be looking to make sure local authorities no longer generate too much of a surplus from traffic fines. 

Easier parking 

A new app, the National Parking Platform, is being developed. This app will be useable in the majority of public carparks, eliminating the need to download multiple parking apps and streamlining the process for drivers to pay for a carpark ticket. 

Tackling inconsiderate driving 

Noise cameras will be rolled out by local councils to target vehicles with modified exhausts that create illegal levels of noise.  

There will also be a clamp down on roadside littering. Cameras will be installed along a strategic road network in order to test their efficiency in catching litterers.  

Transition to zero emission driving 

Despite the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being pushed back to 2035, the Government is still looking to implement policies to aid in reducing the country’s carbon emissions.  

Most of the focus will be on installing more charge points for EVs, and speeding up the rate at which they’re installed. There will be new rules introduced surrounding on-street charging, and how to do this safely when the charging cable crosses the pavement.  

Check out our blog on the delay of the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban if you’d like to know more.