Zack Polanski has been slammed over Green Party plans to reduce motorway speed limits to 55mph. The proposal is reportedly one of many in a policy paper drawn up by the Greens which has been described as a “war on motorists” by political opponents.

Disgruntled people have also taken to social media to voice their outrage over the suggestion. Responding to the reports, one X user described Mr Polanski as a “lunatic”, while another called the Green leader “a complete berk”.

The Conservatives accused the Greens of being “out of touch” with drivers over the proposals, which also reportedly include “incrementally” increasing taxes on motoring and making drivers retake their test every five years.

Under the plans, parking spaces would also be “steadily reduced” and the speed limit in urban areas and villages would be brought down to 20mph, according to the Daily Mail which broke the story.

The document reportedly states the Greens want to tackle the “decrease in walking, cycling and the use of buses and an increase in trips by car and air”.

It said the 55mph speed limit on “major roads outside of built-up areas” would improve both safety and fuel efficiency.

The policy paper also claimed “car driving is not a right but a privilege”.

Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, told The Telegraph: “This is an outrageous, ideological assault on Britain’s motorists from a party that, like Labour, is completely out of touch with drivers and working people across the UK.

“Forcing 55mph limits on motorways, hiking taxes and punishing drivers will cripple commuters, damage the economy and make everyday journeys a misery. This is a full-blown war on motorists.

“Only the Conservatives have the team, plan and leader with the backbone to oppose these plans and tackle the pothole epidemic to get Britain moving again.”

Rachel Millward, deputy leader of the Greens, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she was “not aware” of the policy to reduce motorway speed limits, before later adding: “It is certainly not one of our leading policies at this point.”

A party source told The Telegraph the framework of the changes had not been approved as official policy.

“These proposals were not in the last election manifesto and as such are not a priority for the party,” they said.

Mr Polanski, who has overseen a surge in the polls for the Greens since being elected party leader in September, has not commented on the reports.

The Express has contacted the Green Party for comment.