Critics have warned new Labour proposals could spark parking chaos as Sir Keir Starmer looks to get more people using public transport, walking or cycling.
Sir Keir Starmer looks to limit the number of parking spaces on new housing developments (Image: Getty)
Labour has been accused of waging an “intensifying war” on motorists as Sir Keir Starmer looks to limit the number of parking spaces on new housing developments. The plans, published by the Government, are reportedly part of net-zero efforts to encourage more people to opt for greener methods of transportation, such as public transport, cycling, or walking.
Labour wants to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029, with critics warning the new proposals could spark parking chaos. The plans will see councils required to set limits on the number of parking spaces — without any justification — in new developments, instead of “simply suggesting this as an option”. The proposal is part of a major revamp of the Government’s planning rulebook, with Labour claiming the reforms will help hit its ambitious new homes pledge despite warnings it is unattainable.
Labour wants to ramp up the building of new homes (Image: Getty)
Concerns have been raised over “dangerous” parking practices as a result of the plans, as well as the use of motorists to generate revenue.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Brian Gregory, of the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “This is a continuation of Labour’s intensifying war on road users.
“They are quite happy to take billions a week from road-user taxation, while the roads are falling apart and there already isn’t adequate parking in many towns and cities.
“This offers councils the ability to raise more money for parking charges and enforcement. It is just another way of extracting more money from road users by making it difficult to park.”
Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden echoed some of these worries, claiming Labour has “ripped up the rulebook that protected families from parking misery and replaced it with a green light for councils to squeeze drivers”.
He added: “This is how the war on drivers works. Motorists aren’t the problem. Once again, they’re the revenue stream.”
Also speaking to The Telegraph, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, warned the tightening of rules could “backfire, with more illegal and dangerous parking”.
However, he welcomed how the proposals request councils to be flexible with parking spaces rules.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has denied carrying out a war against motorists.
A spokesperson said: “This claim is nonsense. We understand how important it is for motorists to have enough parking options and they will continue to do so under the changes.”
