Labour has been accused of targeting drivers in new planning documents, which would impose fresh parking restrictions on motorists.

Planning proposals set out by the Government would see councils set limits on the number of parking spaces in new housing developments.

A newly launched consultation aims to hear feedback on plans to overhaul the National Planning Policy Framework in a bid to ensure it remains suitable for the changing needs of the public.

Consultation documents acknowledge that well-connected locations reduce the need to travel, which would “require less land for parking infrastructure”.

Labour has placed an emphasis on active travel across the UK, with more support for walking and cycling, and his heavily referenced in the new draft proposals.

The new Framework proposed this week looks to evolve policies included in the current Framework, notably around parking standards.

At present, development plans are required to set local parking standards, rather than suggesting them as an option.

It added: “It also introduces a more permissive approach to maximum parking standards, removing the requirement for ‘a clear and compelling justification’ where such standards support sustainable transport, optimise development densities in accessible locations, or manage local road networks.”

The consultation questions whether the draft Framework “strikes an appropriate balance” between supporting maximum parking standards and a degree of flexibility.

The consultation, which will run until March 10 next year, is part of Labour’s goal to boost housebuilding and meet the Government’s target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of the current Parliament.

Proposals included in the draft Framework would allow councils to set parking limits without having to provide any justification.

The measures have been met with strong backlash from experts, who warn it could be seen as another attack on Britain’s motorists.

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Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden told the Telegraph that Labour were targeting drivers as “the revenue stream”, declaring it to be a “war on drivers”.

He added: “Labour have ripped up the rulebook that protected families from parking misery and replaced it with a green light for councils to squeeze drivers – [it means] blocked pavements, congested roads, and tickets through the post.”

Similarly, Brian Gregory, from the Alliance of British Drivers, noted that parking was already an issue for millions, in addition to taxes and crumbling road infrastructure.

“This offers councils the ability to raise more money for parking charges and enforcement,” Mr Gregory said.

Speaking during the Labour Party Conference earlier this year, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander rejected claims of Labour declaring a “war on motorists”.

During her speech to a packed Liverpool conference hall, the Labour MP for Swindon South said the claims had been “conjured up by conspiracies and cranks”.

The Transport Secretary called on the country to focus on “solving the real-world problems” instead of “imaginary problems”.