The speed limit could change in 62 local council areas across England if the Conservative Party wins the 2028 general election. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has vowed to end what she calls Labour's "war on drivers" by scrapping the 5p fuel duty increase and 20mph zones.
Plan for Drivers
Launching her party's Plan for Drivers at the Magic Roundabout traffic intersection in Swindon, Badenoch stated: "Labour only see drivers as a cash cow. Hiking fuel duty in a global oil crisis. 20mph roads. Banning petrol and diesel cars. Keir Starmer wants to make drivers' lives as difficult as possible. Conservatives are different." She added: "We understand hardworking families and businesses need their cars and we have a plan to ensure we get Britain moving again."
Review of 20mph Zones
The Tories would review blanket 20mph schemes adopted by 62 out of 153 local authorities, Badenoch confirmed. In addition, a new national taskforce backed by £100 million would tackle potholes, with a specialist repair unit and a single reporting platform. The current road repair backlog stands at £18.6 billion, prompting the Conservatives to promise action amid a crumbling road crisis.
Other Proposed Changes
Badenoch also pledged to review bus lane usage, hire more driving test examiners to reduce the backlog, and scrap the ban on new petrol or diesel cars after 2030. However, a Labour government spokesperson responded: "Nobody should let the Tories behind the wheel again. Labour is getting a grip on the mess they made — delivering for working people rather than making empty promises."
