Green Party plans 55mph motorway speed limit
4 Apr 2026, 17:30 Updated: 5h ago
Fuel taxes would rise, whilst parking spaces would be steadily reduced and frequent driving tests mandated in accordance with the plans.
4 Apr 2026, 17:30 | Updated: 5h ago
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The Green Party has been criticised by the Conservatives as planning a "war on drivers". Picture: Alamy[2]
By Poppy Jacobs
New plans from the Green Party show measures to significantly reduce motorway speed limits from 70mph down to just 55mph. Loading audio...
The move has sparked criticism from the Conservatives, who said Green leader Zack Polanski is waging a "war on drivers".
Other Green Party measures proposed for motorists would see taxes on driving "increased incrementally", whilst parking spaces would be "steadily reduced" to discourage their use.
According to reports, drivers would also be expected to re-take their driving test every five years, with driving considered "not a right, but a privilege".
The official Green Party transport policy reads: "On major roads outside built up areas, the maximum speed limit allowed would be 55mph, to maximise the efficiency of fuel use as well as improving safety."
They add that the speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways would be dropped by 15mph, and 20mph limits would be imposed on all built up areas.
The decision comes despite controversy in areas where they have already been implemented.
The party identified road fuel tax as a key factor to "encourage users to be more mile-conscious and to opt for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars".
They said they would increase it "incrementally".
The policy also said driving tests would be made "more comprehensive and stricter" and would occur regularly to ensure "drivers remain competent".
Currently, driving test waiting times average at around 19-23 weeks (4-6 months) due to backlogs dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plans have been criticised by the shadow transport secretary Richard Holden, who called them "out of touch" with the public.
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The reported plans would see speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways reduced to 55mph, down from their current 70mph. Picture: Alamy[5]
The 20mph introduced across Wales has been controversial, with some signs being vandalised by unhappy motorists. Picture: Alamy[6]
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