The government has confirmed it will make 18 vehicle safety technologies mandatory in all new cars sold in Great Britain, following the conclusion of a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation. The move could lead to higher vehicle prices, as the new rules will require features such as automatic braking for cyclists and pedestrians, and intelligent speed assistance.
Mandatory technologies announced
The DfT has published its response to the consultation, stating it will proceed with implementing the measures. The technologies to be mandated include advanced distraction warning, blind spot information system, drowsiness and attention warning, direct vision, emergency braking for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles, event data recorder, emergency lane keeping system, emergency stop signal, frontal full-width and offset impact protection, intelligent speed assistance, moving off information system, pole side impact, pedestrian windscreen impact, reversing motion awareness, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
These systems are part of the government's wider Road Safety Strategy, which aims for a 65% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2035.
Official support and rationale
Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, stated in the plan: "While the United Kingdom (UK) has long been recognised for its strong road safety record, progress in reducing fatalities and serious injuries has slowed in recent years. With over 1,600 lives lost and 28,000 people seriously injured on our roads in 2024 alone, further action is needed."
He added: "This government is committed to making our roads safer for everyone: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and all who share our streets. Advances in vehicle safety technology offer us a significant opportunity to prevent collisions, reduce casualties and protect the most vulnerable road users."
Mixed reactions from stakeholders
Road safety charity Brake has backed the plans, noting that it has long campaigned for such technology. The charity highlighted that in its Vehicle Safety Technology report, 87% said safety rating is important when choosing a new car, with 68% of drivers believing advanced emergency braking should be mandatory for all new vehicles in the UK, and 66% saying they would pay more for safety features.
However, the DfT response summary noted that those opposed to the plans raised concerns about cost, including potential impacts on vehicle prices, repair bills, and long-term maintenance expenses. Some also questioned the reliability of the technologies in real-world conditions, particularly on rural roads and in poor weather.
One technology not mandated
After the consultation, the DfT decided not to mandate alcohol interlock interface facilitation (AIIF), a connection interface that makes it easier to install an aftermarket breathalyser ignition system.
