Labour backs mandatory 20mph speed limits on all new housing estates in fresh attack on drivers

Ministers have endorsed Homes England guidance recommending 20mph or lower speed limits on new housing developments across England, with roads deliberately narrowed and parking left unallocated to deter drivers. The guidance, backed by the Department of Health and Social Care, also calls for 'car clubs' and cycle-priority junctions on residential streets as means of cutting private car ownership. Brian Gregory of the Alliance of British Drivers warned the limits have nothing to do with safety — their real purpose, he said, is pushing motorists out of their vehicles — and that stop-start driving will drive up emissions.

The guidance urges developers to keep junction corners to just three metres wide to slow turning traffic on new estates.

England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy endorsed the report, calling it a 'toolkit' to embed walking and cycling into everyday life.

Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council is set to impose 20mph limits on 797 streets from September 22, part of a plan ultimately covering 3,800 streets.