Richard Tice demands action over 20mph speed limit as Sunak considers U-turn

Reform UK leader Richard Tice has called on Rishi Sunak to scrap ‘nonsense’ eco-motoring driving laws including 20mph speed limit rules in local areas. It comes after reports suggest Sunak is considering preventing councils from introducing speed limit restrictions as he tries to win back voters. According to The Guardian , plans are being considered to restrict local councils’ power to introduce the 20mph zones. The news has been backed by Tice who feels the scheme should only be introduced in selected areas. Reform UK have been advocates of pulling away from much of the Conservative’s eco-plan which they say will cost ordinary taxpayers. Richard Tice has demanded immediate action over 20mph speed limits (Image: Talk TV / Getty) Speaking on Talk TV, Tice said: ‘The fact is people are waking up to the reality that the voters are not going to stand for this nonsense. ‘The Prime Minister, not only does he need to say we need to get rid of all the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, we need to lift the 20mph except in clear restricted zones like schools and small residential streets.’ 20mph speed limit restrictions have been introduced in many local areas in a bid to boost safety. According to Brake , there is a consensus among road safety professionals to ensure 20mph is the maximum safe speed limit for built-up areas. A study from The World Health Organisation claims reducing vehicle speeds is ‘proven’ to improve the protection of pedestrians.  RoadPeace, a charity which supports those injured in car crashes, has encouraged ministers to maintain their support for the 20mph limit. The Welsh Government passed a national policy in July 2022 with many of the nation’s local roads seeing their speed limit cut. England has not adopted a national approach with local traffic authorities still responsible for limits in communal areas. Sunak ordered a review of LTNs after securing a shock win at the Uxbridge by-election. The Conservatives were predicted to lose Boris Johnson’s former seat but clung on after campaigning against Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).  Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may be rowing back on anti-car policies (Image: Getty) The success prompted over 40 Conservatives to write to Sunak calling for the leader to delay a petrol and diesel car ban currently set for 2030. After securing the seat, Sunak told voters he was on the side of motorists and made clear he understood their concerns. He 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.’