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Summarised by Centrist
The UK Labour Party has confirmed it will allow councils to use national driver licence records to enforce traffic restrictions linked to 15-minute city schemes, reversing plans under the previous government to limit such powers.
The policy enables councils to use government driver records to fine motorists who breach camera-enforced “traffic filters” that restrict driving in designated areas.
The policy limits city-centre driving by penalising motorists, justified by claims it will encourage walking and cycling.
The first full rollout is scheduled for Oxford later this year. Under the scheme, the city is divided into six neighbourhoods. Drivers require permits to pass through traffic filters during operating hours.
Residents are granted 100 days of free passage per year through the filters, plus a separate allowance of 25 days through congestion charge points. After those limits are exceeded, fines apply.
Labour’s position was confirmed by transport minister Simon Lightwood in response to a parliamentary question, signalling that councils across England can proceed with similar camera-enforced schemes if they choose.
Shadow transport minister Greg Smith said Oxford should be viewed as a national test case, arguing that Labour had approved a model allowing councils to regulate how residents travel using surveillance and fines backed by state data.
The Alliance of British Drivers described the policy as an infringement of civil liberties, while the AA warned that restricting car access could harm local economies.
Read more over at The Telegraph (paywalled)
