London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has introduced a new driving law that could enrage the capital’s commuters, and it’s not the ULEZ scheme.
Criticism of Sadiq Khan
After his re-election as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is already facing criticism for one of his contentious implementations, which affects drivers in the capital.
Disgruntled Drivers Hit Out
Khan introduced 20mph speed limits across London, sparking major criticism from drivers who are already disgruntled with Khan’s other schemes.
20MPH Speed Limit Across London
The 20mph speed limit is the latest law to grind London drivers’ gears alongside the controversial ULEZ scheme.
Khan Wins Third Term
Khan won his record-breaking third term as Mayor of London in May this year, fending off Tory candidate Susan Hall.
Khan Wins Despite Close Call
The contest was much closer than the polls predicted, with Khan winning the majority by 43.8% whereas Susan Hall claimed 32.7%.
Critics Highlight Two Key Factors
Khan’s critics are mainly concerned about two factors, his lack of results in countering knife crime in the city, and his contentious ULEZ scheme.
ULEZ Sheme Picking Pockets
Khan’s ULEZ scheme has expanded over the years, issuing fines to drivers who don’t own cars that meet the modern emission regulations for that area.
Hall’s Pledge for Ulez
Susan Hall made the ULEZ scheme a key part of her campaign, claiming she would remove it on her first day if elected.
20MPH Speed Limit Could Save Lives
Now, Khan’s 20mph speed limit is set to be another thorn in drivers’ sides, with a spokesperson for the Mayor claiming it’s essential to save lives.
Safety Is the Mayor’s “Top Priority”
According to Khan’s spokesperson, “The safety of Londoners is the Mayor’s top priority and the evidence shows 20mph speed limits save lives.”
TfL Speed Limit Saves Lives
The spokesperson said, “In 2020, TfL reduced the speed limit on TfL roads within the central London Congestion Charging zone to 20mph,” arguing that it eventually saved lives.
25% Fatality Reduction
The spokesperson argued that after the change in the speed limit, “preliminary data shows that this has led to a 25 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injuries.”
“Vision Zero” Aims and Goals
The new speed limit change is part of Khan’s “Vision Zero” project which was introduced after a spike in traffic collision deaths across London.
Labour Government of Wales
The law has been tried and tested in other areas of the UK, including parts of Wales that introduced 20mph speed limits under the Labour Government of Wales.
Wales’ Economical Concerns
Experts have revealed that the speed limits could greatly impact the Welsh economy, with some concerned that they could lower Wales’ economy by billions of pounds.
Potential Economic Woes for London
Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Guy Opperman, highlighted that the government had “not made an assessment of the impact of the cost to the economy of 20mph speed limits in London”.
Khan Sways London Votes Despite Criticism
Despite heavy criticism for Khan regarding his ULEZ scheme and 20mph speed limit, Londoners still flocked to the polling booths to vote him in for a third term.
Khan’s Confidence in Support
Khan admitted he “had no plan B” in the event that he did not win the London mayoral elections in May, showing his confidence in his supporters.
Working “Socks Off” to Secure Votes
“My focus was on trying to persuade as many Londoners as I could to lend me their vote, and the entire team was focused on working our socks off until 10pm on May 2,” Khan explained.
Testing Londoners’ Patience
With the 20mph speed limit up and running in 11 London Boroughs, time will tell on the effect it could have on the economy and on the patience of Londoners.
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The post Sadiq Khan Introduces New Law That Could Enrage London Drivers…And It’s Not ULEZ first appeared on Edge Media.
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Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.