Labour fears its ‘poll tax’ attack on drivers could cost it election victory

PRESSURE ON OPPOSITION

- Jonathan Walker

LABOUR’S war on motorists threatens to cost Sir Keir Starmer victory at the next election, his own MPs fear.

They compared colleagues determined to push through anti-car measures to “a cult” and warned pricing schemes such as London’s Ulez could become “our poll tax”.

There is anger towards London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whose insistence on expanding an ultra-low emission zone has seen hundreds of cameras vandalised in the capital.

But senior figures fear the party is also getting the blame for road pricing schemes in the North and Midlands.

And there is despair over a decision by the Welsh Labour administration of First Minister Mark Drakeford to make 20mph the default speed limit.

One Welsh MP said: “The problem is that when people look at what Labour actually does in power they see Sadiq Khan and Mark Drakeford.”

The Sunday Express can reveal Transport for London, chaired by Mr Khan, has called for road pricing to be introduced nationwide – and offered to share its experience in the capital to make it a reality.