Lib Dems demand 10mph speed limit near schools

Speed limits near schools would be slashed to 10mph if the Liberal Democrats form part of the next government.

Under the radical plan to be debated at the party’s spring conference next weekend, councils throughout England would be allowed to slash limits close to schools.

Details of the Lib Dems’ Green Transport Act were also revealed yesterday to include a ban on high-emission vehicles by 2040 and an order every new bus and taxi would have to be an “ultra-low emission” vehicle from 2030.

The pledges are part of its “five green laws” which would be demands in any coalition negotiations.

A party spokesperson said: “It’s no exaggeration to say our future, and that of our children, depends upon us tackling climate change head on.

“The more we delay, the more we are at threat from this ticking time bomb.

“This is why if in Government again we will set about making Britain zero carbon, securing home grown renewable energy while cutting our reliance on fossil fuels from abroad.

“Our proposals are a bold ambition to end Britain’s adverse impact on climate change completely and these two policies form part of this.”

Other vows include a Nature Act, which would develop a 25-year plan for reversing the decline of UK wildlife species, and the creation of a quango to increase the “public value” of the forestry estate.

A Zero Waste Britain Act would introduce measures including increased penalties for crimes such as industrial fly tipping.

The party would also introduce a legally-binding target for zero carbon emissions by 2050 and ban coal-fired power stations unless they had carbon capture and storage technology. A Green Buildings Act would include a council tax discount for significant improvements in energy efficiency.

The proposals will be debated at the party’s gathering in Liverpool by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey, with environment minister Dan Rogerson winding up the discussion.

Last week deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said he would extend the 5p charge on plastic bags, due to come into force in October, to include small businesses and paper bags, which are currently exempt from the scheme.