Radical New Plan Would BAN Foreign-Born Drivers but Take 2 Million Cars Off Britain’s Roads
- Philip James
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A controversial new report from a London-based think tank has called for UK driving licences to be issued only to people holding a British birth certificate — a move it says would slash congestion, improve air quality and win strong support from British voters.
Freedom21, which describes itself as “a new, independent policy research organisation”, claims the measure could take up to 2.1 million vehicles off Britain’s roads within five years by preventing foreign-born residents from renewing or obtaining licences.
The report brands Britain’s congestion “unsustainable” and warns that without bold action, traffic will get even worse.
The proposal, unveiled yesterday, argues that current traffic levels are near breaking point and that “limiting licence eligibility to those born in the UK” would directly reduce vehicle numbers without the need for costly infrastructure projects.
“Traffic congestion is costing the economy over £8 billion a year,” the report states. “Removing between 1.5 and 2.1 million cars from the road network would ease journey times, cut emissions and save billions in lost productivity.”
Phased Ban
Under the Freedom21 plan, the new rules would be introduced in stages. In the first year, legislation would be passed and the DVLA’s systems updated to verify birth certificates. From the second year, new applications from those without a British birth certificate would be refused. Renewals for non-UK-born residents would be phased out between years two and five.
The “Brits First” plan would be rolled out over five years:
Year 1: New law passed, DVLA set up to check birth certificates.
Years 2–4: No new licences for foreign-born applicants. Renewals blocked as existing licences expire.
Year 5: Full enforcement.
Freedom21 says the ban would hit hardest in congested cities – where foreign-born drivers make up a bigger share of road users – freeing up space for citizens who have been here from birth.
Limited exemptions would be granted for essential service drivers, such as certain emergency vehicle operators, but these would be on a “case-by-case” basis.
Strong Public Support, Says Polling
The think tank’s research cites polling from “Britannia Insights” showing 64 per cent of British-born voters support the measure, with just 22 per cent opposed and 14 per cent undecided. Support was highest in rural areas (71 per cent) and lowest in London (55 per cent), though still in the majority.
The report suggests this level of backing could make the policy “electorally advantageous” for any party willing to adopt it, especially if framed as a congestion-busting initiative rather than an immigration measure.
A poll by Britannia Insights found:
64% of British-born voters back the move
71% in rural areas are in favour
Even in London, 55% support it
Only 22% are against.
One source told us: “People are fed up sitting in endless jams. If it means fewer cars and faster journeys, most are all for it.”
Big Gains
Freedom21 says the changes would result in a 3.6–5 per cent drop in total vehicle numbers across the UK, with larger reductions in cities with higher proportions of foreign-born drivers.
The think tank says the move would:
CUT traffic by up to 5%
SAVE £1 BILLION a year in congestion costs
SLASH pollution in urban areas
EASE the strain on battered roads
The analysis draws on Office for National Statistics (ONS) and DVLA data, alongside figures from the Centre for Economics and Business Research and Inrix’s global traffic reports.
Controversy Likely
Critics are already howling that the plan is “discriminatory” – but Freedom21 insists it’s fair, legal and simple. The group says it’s preparing to brief MPs, claiming the plan could be a vote-winner for any party willing to adopt it.
“Road space is limited,” the report declares. “It’s time British citizens had priority. This policy delivers results.”
However, critics are likely to challenge the legality and fairness of such a measure, particularly under equality laws and international agreements. However, Freedom21 argues that its plan is “administratively simple, legally defensible, and in line with public sentiment”.
A Department for Transport spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the report but said ministers were “considering a wide range of measures to tackle congestion and improve road safety”.
What Happens Next?
Freedom21 says it is preparing to brief MPs from multiple parties in the coming weeks. The group insists the proposal “should be viewed as a serious policy option” rather than a symbolic gesture, arguing that Britain must be “bold and unapologetic” in tackling congestion.
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