Plan for Drivers

On the 17th March 2024, the Government issued the latest series of guidance, consultation and research findings which will help motorists and other road users to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion. Find out how Brookbanks can assist!

In October 2023 the government announced the Plan for Drivers which set out 30 measures that are aimed at improving the experience of driving through smoother journeys.

The aim of the plan is to provide drivers with:

Smoother journeys
Stopping unfair enforcement
Easier Parking
Cracking down on inconsiderate driving
Helping the transition to zero emission driving

These include:

New Guidance on Low Traffic Neighborhoods
New Guidance on Low Traffic Neighborhoods
Call for evidence on restricting a local authority’s ability to profit from enforcing traffic restrictions.
Bus Lane Guidance
Consultation on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes by default
Lane rental schemes guidance
Investment to upgrade traffic signals
Consultation on removing the right of uninsured drivers to claim compensation for property damage.
Noise camera research

With regard to the 20mph speed limit guidance, in November 2023, Melania A’Lee, our Director of Transport, published an article on 20mph speed limits on LinkedIn, in which she considered that a blanket 20mph zone was not the correct approach and that a review of speeds should first be carried out.

The recent Government publication now states that:

The guidance should be used as a basis for:

Assessment of local speed limits
Developing route management strategies
Developing speed management strategies

Traffic authorities should:

Use the right speed limits in the right places.
Keep their speed limits under review
Only introduce 20mph limits and zones, in the right places, over time and with local support in urban areas and built-up village streets that are primarily residential, using the criteria in Urban Speed limits.
Ensure any such measures are targeted and not introduced as a blanket measure.

It is good to see that the Government is ensuring that a more common-sense approach is being applied to the introduction of these schemes. Whilst the provision of 20mph speed limits are appropriate in many built up environments a blanket approach should not be blindly implemented.

The Government will also be funding the upgrading of traffic signals, this is another welcomed investment as changing fixed time signals to MOVA or SCOOT will reduce unnecessary delays and ensure the network works more efficiently.

To find out more, speak to our team today!

Principal Highways and Transportation Consultant

Andy Eggleston

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Director of Transportation and Highways / Head of Eastern Office

Melanie A'Lee

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