Ahead of the general election in July 2024, the Labour Party has announced their “Plan for Drivers,” pledging to repair up to a million potholes each year and reduce vehicle damage on the roads.
Labour's Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, stated that the new policy will include £64 million annually for local pothole repairs across the country. This initiative addresses numerous issues that the Conservative Party has neglected during their time in power.
In addition to fixing potholes, Labour aims to cut car insurance costs and address the rising premiums. The average driver currently pays around £900 annually, with some drivers, particularly young people, facing premiums as high as £3,000. The increasing damage from potholes further exacerbates this issue, making it a critical concern for Labour.
An estimate from 2023 indicated that almost one million people had to cancel their car insurance due to the cost-of-living crisis, with some individuals paying over a thousand pounds for coverage. Labour plans to involve the Competition and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate postcode pricing practices, particularly whether they disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and those on lower incomes.
Labour also intends to crack down on anti-motorist measures such as the expansion of ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zones), excessive council fines on motorists, and widespread implementation of 20mph speed limits.
In addition to these measures, Labour promises to improve the UK's charging infrastructure for electric vehicles by removing current barriers and providing local councils with better guidance on where to install charging points. This move aims to help achieve the goal of 300,000 chargers by 2030 and reduce the "soaring" costs of road building. This is a real positive for the EV industry with large concerns around the lack charging infrastructure in the UK.
Finally, Labour's support for public transport includes plans for a new publicly owned rail service and the creation of 1,300 new bus routes. These initiatives aim to free up space on the roads and reduce traffic, offering comprehensive improvements for drivers and public transport users alike.
If you have concerns about car insurance especially when it comes leasing find out about GAP insurance. Gap insurance, short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, is an additional protection you can take out alongside your comprehensive car insurance policy.
