Leaked Document Reveals Khan's Anti-Car Blueprint for London

Sadiq Khan, London's Labour Mayor, is facing fresh accusations of orchestrating a sweeping "war on motorists" following an extraordinary leak of a confidential Transport for London (TfL) document. The revelation, which came to light after a local government official was photographed reading the sensitive material on the Tube, details a series of drastic anti-car proposals set to significantly impact drivers across the capital, daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The leaked document, bearing the title "Jack's list of policies," is understood to champion measures such as expanding cash-raising controlled parking zones, hiking the cost of parking permits, increasing the use of double yellow lines, and slashing car parking spaces. These controversial initiatives are reportedly being suggested to local councils and are championed by Jack Maizels, the "spatial policy lead" on TfL’s "London Plan" team. The London Plan is the capital's strategic development framework for the next two decades.

This latest development intensifies the ongoing debate surrounding London's transport strategy, which has seen Khan already implement the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), charging vehicles that don't meet specific engine standards £12.50 a day. The ULEZ was expanded in August 2023 to cover all of London's boroughs, creating the world's largest pollution charging zone. Furthermore, the Congestion Charge is set to increase from £15 per day to £18 from January 2026. These existing charges, combined with the new leaked proposals, are sparking widespread fears of escalating costs for London's drivers.

Senior Tory MP Nick Timothy condemned the alleged plans, stating, "Sadiq Khan is planning to expand his war on motorists… and make life in our nation’s capital completely unliveable for ordinary Londoners who need a car to travel to work, get their kids to school, or look after elderly relatives."

The leaked document, photographed on June 3, reveals proposals extending beyond parking restrictions. It also includes plans for the "reallocation of car parking to other modes" – a move that echoes calls from green charities last year to convert 25% of London's roadside parking into "parklets," rain gardens, and cycle storage. Further policies outlined include the "reallocation of general traffic lanes to other modes," aiming for "quicker buses," and the creation of "bus and cycle only streets." The document also hints at "destination parking charges," suggesting cost increases in popular areas, and an expansion of 20mph zones with cameras under the guise of "speed limits – safer speeds."

While a TfL spokesman has stated that the document "is nothing to do with the London Plan or its policy development, and the document is not being used by TfL to inform transport policy," Mr. Maizels' past public statements suggest a clear stance on prioritizing alternatives to car travel. In a 2023 post on X, he wrote, "The idea that prioritising cars somehow provides people with more choice is the biggest misconception in transport."

Edmund King, president of the AA, expressed significant concern, commenting, "We’ve already seen an onslaught on drivers in London and Jack’s list seems to be the final nail in the coffin. If parking spaces are removed, what are Londoners to do?"

The controversial measures, whether officially adopted or not, are certain to fuel the ongoing debate about the future of transport in London and the balance between environmental goals, public transport promotion, and the needs of private car owners.