Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was brazenly opposed to traffic reforms like 20mph speed zones and low-traffic neighborhoods, calling them a “war on motorists.” But Labour’s new transport minister says she intends to take a different approach and “end the culture wars” over transport policy. Traffic speed limits are “entirely up for local areas to decide,” says Louise Haigh in an interview.
Lower speed limits reduced road casualties after Wales introduced them last September, though they also elicited backlash. Such policies are also intended to make streets friendlier for biking and other forms of active travel — another area of interest for Haigh, who hopes to pledge “unprecedented” funding for cycling and walking in a plan to remedy the nation’s deteriorating physical health. Read contributor Laura Laker’s takeaways from her interview with Haigh today on CityLab: UK Transport Minister Clears Path for More 20mph Speed Zones