Vehicle safety technology consultation is launched

The Government has launched a consultation on proposals to mandate a range of advanced vehicle safety technologies in Great Britain.

Announced on 7 January alongside the Road Safety Strategy, the proposals would require manufacturers applying for GB type approval for mass-produced vehicles to equip them with a set of specified safety features.

This includes active safety measures aimed at collision prevention, such as advanced emergency braking systems capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, emergency lane-keeping, intelligent speed assistance that detects speed limits and systems for monitoring driver drowsiness and distraction.

Passive safety measures, intended to minimise injury severity in collisions, are also included, such as strengthened body structures for full-width frontal and pole side impacts, along with enhanced impact testing procedures for off-set frontal impacts and pedestrian protection.

The aims is to also bring closer alignment of safety standards across the UK (between GB and Northern Ireland), avoiding differing vehicle specifications and their associated cost implications for UK consumers.

The closing date for the consultation is 31 March 2026.