Rishi Sunak should not “interfere” with road rules, a leading councillor has said – as the prime minister threatens crackdowns on speed limits and low traffic neighbourhoods.

The Conservative prime minister is considering restricting councils’ abilities to impose 20 miles per hour speed limits, according to the Guardian newspaper.

It would be part of a crackdown on environmental traffic measures such as London’s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ). Sunak has already ordered a review into so-called low traffic neighbourhoods – council schemes to restrict cars on certain streets.

But the move against speed limits would mean allowing the government to muscle in on councils’ powers to manage roads in their areas.

Wokingham councillor Paul Fishwick, responsible for roads, said the government should back off as councils know their areas best.

He said: “The government should not be trying to interfere with local attempts to protect residents’ health and encourage active lifestyles.

“We are responsible for the roads in our area and have the best understanding of local conditions and our residents’ needs.”

He added that recent government moves against traffic measures were short sighted – as council rules can ease congestion, improve the environment and benefit health.

Liberal Democrat councillor Fishwick said: “In 2020 the government committed to making it safer and easier to walk and cycle local journeys, to benefit health, the environment and ease pressure on roads.

“What is being proposed now by central government is extremely short-sighted and contradictory to their previous commitments.

“Many of the measures the government seems to want to reject play a part in reducing road congestion and opposing them won’t be in anyone’s interest, let alone motorists”.

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Meanwhile, Bracknell Forest’s councillor responsible for roads, Labour’s Guy Gillbe, said he was keeping an eye on government plans.

He said: “We are monitoring the proposals of central government closely and how this could impact Bracknell Forest.”

He added that “engaging with the public” is the best way to manage traffic and the environment. And he stressed that there are no low traffic neighbourhoods in Bracknell Forest, and none are planned.

Councillor Gillbe said: “The council is working hard to deliver a sustainable and effective transport system which tackles climate change, whilst supporting the local economy and improving personal mobility and accessibility.

“This includes supporting public transport, providing facilities for more active travel and much more. We’re also encouraging our residents to make cleaner transport choices for local journeys. Engaging with the public on practical options is always the best way forward.”