Unless you’re an ever-grinning Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 owner living somewhere in the hills, it’s highly likely that in 2024 you’re already utterly fed up trying to engage in the simple act of driving from A to B.
On 25 November 2022, day-to-day road use hit rock bottom for many drivers when London mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to expand the city’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from 29 August 2023.
In the run-up to the expansion’s introduction, voters choosing an MP to replace Boris Johnson in Uxbridge and South Ruislip on 20 July 2023 severely wounded the prospect of similar plans being implemented across the country after what became a ULEZ protest vote.
The parliamentary seat was expected to go to Labour, but the Conservatives campaigned heavily against the zone and scraped their way to victory.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer each recognised the significance. Conservative and Labour policy brains, mindful that a general election could be imminent, realised 42 million full driving licence holders was a lot of potentially hacked-off voters.
The perfect storm had been generated: drivers with non-compliant cars were without options because public transport was woefully inadequate; there were issues around road repairs, congestion, parking, EV charging, fuel prices…
Road users had had enough: Uxbridge and South Ruislip raised the flag. On 29 September 2023, the government declared the “war on drivers” was over.
New rules restricted impositions of 20mph limits, bus lanes and low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). Then, on 2 October, it launched its ‘Plan for Drivers’.
“Our Plan for Drivers shows how this government is backing motorists, ensuring they can enjoy smoother journeys, park more easily and no longer face oppressive traffic enforcement measures,” said a spokesperson.
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Nice to know that I am not necessarily a curmudgeon when it comes to my thoughts on modern day motoring. It's becoming like self flagellation.
Much of this article (esp the intro) reads like a Lee Anderson fever dream. There is nothing to be gained by dragging 'motorists' into a culture war.
The headline asks what the UK motorist wants. The article then goes on to tell us what various people with an axe to grind want.
What ever the public want (I imagine its less congestion, better driving standards, more police, but less cameras, and cheaper travel by way of cheaper cars, and cheaper fuel) there is no party anyone can vote for that will deliver this.
As such i doubt motoring policies of our major political parties makes any difference to voters. There simply isnt any one who can win that will move motoring policies in a direction the majority want.
You're right, but the reason is that the UK is in a bit of a hole and our infrastructure has been allowed to crumble.
Fast, clean, reliable and affordable public transport takes cars and goods vehicles off the road, as the alternative is more attractive. Ditto towns and cities that all well planned with good, accessible amenities.
All 'motorists' should be in favour, as this would reduce congestion. Instead our government (and this article) seek to stoke a culture war which helps no one.
We need the grown ups back in the room!