Prime Minister Keir Starmer has delivered a series of blows to British motorists in recent weeks, diverting road infrastructure cash to defence spending, axing two major road projects, and failing to adequately address the pothole crisis. Critics say the moves show a disregard for drivers.
Road Projects Axed, £700m Diverted
Starmer confirmed that £700 million in road funding will be slashed, with the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass schemes among the casualties. National Highways had previously stated both projects were needed to boost safety and reduce congestion. The cuts are a major blow to motorists in the East Midlands.
The diverted funds will be pumped into defence spending, part of a broader reallocation of resources as Starmer prepares to leave Downing Street.
Pothole Funding Falls Short
While the government has allocated £7.3 billion to fix potholes, the current backlog in England and Wales alone is estimated at £18.6 billion. The funding falls far short of what is needed, and no additional cash has been secured despite the cuts to road projects.
According to the RAC, pothole-related breakdowns have surged in recent years, with drivers facing costly repairs and safety risks.
ZEV Mandate Watered Down
Starmer has also announced plans to water down the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, setting a new target of 50% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030. This marks the second U-turn on the issue for Labour.
The 2026 target currently sits at 33%, but latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows electric cars account for just 30% of the market. Industry experts say the 50% goal remains ambitious.
Car manufacturers and the SMMT have repeatedly called for a review of the targets, accusing Labour of failing to act decisively. Drivers have been left frustrated by the uncertainty.
Mixed Reactions
Some commentators have praised the defence spending boost but criticised the lack of support for drivers. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been urged to scrap a proposed £300 car tax fee introduced by Rachel Reeves.
Luke Chillingsworth, Cars Reporter, said: “Drivers have pulled the short straw for months, and Starmer has just delivered another series of crucial blows.”
