Huge motoring law update may see largest upgrades 'in a generation' for Britain's drivers

Labour has unveiled a comprehensive set of plans aimed at aiding drivers, enhancing road safety, and accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

The party's manifesto outlines a series of initiatives designed to address current challenges and improve the UK's road and charging infrastructure.

Central to Labour's plans is the acceleration of public EV charger installation.

The party aims to set new targets to expedite the rollout, amid concerns that the initial goal of 300,000 chargers by 2030 may be missed.

Labour promises to support local authorities by providing better guidance on the use of charge point funding and reviewing the effectiveness of existing funds, including the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.

Additionally, Labour plans to remove planning barriers that hinder the installation of more chargers, facilitating the largest upgrade to the national transmission infrastructure in a generation.

Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, welcomed Labour's pledges.

He said: “They understand that car insurance costs are too high, road infrastructure building and repairs aren’t fast enough and that the electric vehicle charging rollout needs to be quicker.

“Our productivity depends on our roads. After 14 years in the slow lane, Britain’s drivers deserve better."

Labour has committed to introducing a new road safety strategy aimed at reducing traffic deaths and injuries.

The party highlights that between 1997 and 2010, the Labour Government halved the number of road fatalities, whereas the Conservative Government only achieved an 11 percent reduction from 2010 to 2023.

Labour's proposed Strategic Framework for Road Safety aims to reverse this trend and make significant progress in improving road safety.

Labour plans to end the "sticking plaster approach" to road repairs by providing multi-year funding settlements to local authorities.

This approach is intended to support longer-lasting repairs and prevent potholes from forming, thereby providing better value for money and ensuring safer roads for drivers.

Councillor Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities, praised the initiative.

He said: "The quality of local roads is of significant importance to residents and councils will be encouraged to see a commitment to tackle the blight of potholes and improve public transport.

“Investing to ensure roads are safe and accessible, alongside effective public transport, is core to public service provision and crucial in tackling wider issues such as poverty and inequality that come with insecure transport links."

Labour's Plan for Drivers Includes:

• Funding local authorities to fix one million more potholes per year
• Tackling soaring car insurance costs
• Breaking down planning barriers
• Accelerating the electric vehicle charging rollout
• Reducing traffic
• Implementing a new road safety strategy