Labour is right about LTNs – the Tories need to learn the same lesson

For all the initial noise against low-traffic neighbourhoods, most people like them and they can benefit the public purse

Here are four words you might not expect from me, as a former Conservative aide, so make the most of them: Louise Haigh is right. Half right, anyway. Labour's new transport secretary has taken some flak - though not, interestingly, a vast amount - for interviews this week stating that councils that create low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), 20mph zones and bike lanes on their roads will have my full support".

An abdication of responsibility," huffed the Sun. Labour declares war on drivers," announced GB News, though no one was actually quoted to this effect - the shadow transport spokesperson, Helen Whately, said only that Labour seems unable to take a common sense approach".

Andrew Gilligan was transport adviser to Boris Johnson in Downing Street, and cycling commissioner for London 2013-16.