Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has told Rishi Sunak to ‘grow up’ after the Prime Minister ordered a review of the rollout of low-traffic neighbourhoods.
Sunak used an interview in the Sunday Telegraph to announce that he has ordered the Department for Transport to review low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) policies.
Under such plans, local councils attempt to limit traffic in town and city centres – with drivers often prevented from using quiet residential roads as through-routes.
The measures are also designed to encourage uptake of other modes of transport.
But the adoption of the polices has attracted the ire of some Tory MPs, who have criticised the measures as attacks on motorists.
Sunak told the Telegraph: “The vast majority of people in the country use their cars to get around and are dependent on their cars. When I’m lucky enough to get home to North Yorkshire it’s more representative of how most of the country is living, where cars are important.
“I just want to make sure people know that I’m on their side in supporting them to use their cars to do all the things that matter to them.”
The pitch to motorists and car owners comes after the Conservatives’ narrow victory in the Uxbridge and Ruislip by-election earlier this month, which saw the Tory candidate tap into local concerns about the expansion of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez).
That success has seen some Tory MPs on the right of the party urge Sunak to engage in a rethink on net zero, amid hopes of attacking Labour’s green ambitions.
The latest culture war from a PM who can’t even remember to wear a seat belt. He needs to grow up, protect public health, make streets safer and drop the climate denial. pic.twitter.com/m2BdJwrO71
— Mark Ruskell (@markruskell) July 30, 2023
But it has also drawn criticism, including from Ruskell, who is the Scottish Green’s spokesperson for climate, the environment and transport.
He tweeted: “The latest culture war from a PM who can’t even remember to wear a seat belt.
“He needs to grow up, protect public health, make streets safer and drop the climate denial.”
