Motoring organisations as well as MPs and those who would like to see less interference from Brussels, have hit out against new proposals by the European Commission to update driving laws on the U.K.’s roads. The Action Plan on Urban Mobility could see British drivers forced to adhere to lower speed limits in urban areas, take driving tests which include a section on environmentally friendly procedures and be banned from taking cars over a certain size into city centres. The Action Plan also proposes expanding congestion charge schemes and creating environmental zones within cities.

Brussels claims that the document is merely a springboard for discussion, but some critics are worried that it is already at such an advanced stage. Association of British Drivers spokesman, Keith Peat said he thought it would be disastrous to allow control of British roads to be handed over to the bureaucrats in Brussels. He claims that it would damage both the economy and also the safety of those travelling on the roads. Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers pointed out that any decisions on how best to deal with issues on British roads needed to be made at a local level, not by the E.U. and their attitude of one solution for everyone.

A spokesman for the E.U. said that the purpose of the Action Plan was not to provide a blanket solution to the problems on Europe’s roads. He said that there would be no one-size-fits-all prescription for driving tests, greener areas or speed limits.