Pilot scheme is 'beginning of council's war on motorists'

PLYMOUTH TORY GROUP VOW TO FIGHT ANY PLAN FOR ULEZ IN CITY

- WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH Tories have accused the city council of declaring war on motorists and will oppose any moves to bring in a ULEZ-type scheme. The Conservative Group said a consultation on plans to start enforcing "moving traffic offences" could be the start of "attacks on the motorist".

Under new powers available to Plymouth City Council, drivers could soon be fined for stopping in box junctions, driving in bus lanes or going the wrong way down a oneway street. As part of a pilot scheme the authority plans to place a camera in Marlborough Street, in Devonport, before potentially rolling them out city-wide.

But the opposition Conservative Group is against the proposal. Tory councillor Lee Finn said: "This is the beginning of war on the motorist".

He said the party would also fight any moves to bring in controversial Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ) like those seen in London and other cities. It would also oppose congestion charges or the introduction of a 15-minute city concept, where all amenities are supposed to be within a quarter of an hour walk or cycle from a person's home.