The same day as the Government published the UK’s first Road Safety Strategy  (7 January 2026) it took the first steps towards a number of its proposed measures becoming law.

On the same day, six separate consultations were issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) covering specific commitments outlined in the Roads Safety Strategy, to ensure that is more than a ‘wish list’.

The Strategy comes in response to Britain’s inability to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on its roads, which have plateaued in recent years, “in contrast to 22 other European countries which over the last decade reduced road fatalities” says Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

“This strategy is not just a document; it is a call to action for government.”

“With over 1,600 lives lost and 28,000 people seriously injured on our roads in 2024 alone, further action is needed” says the Transport Secretary.

The 60-page strategy is split into four themes, including drivers, collision research, the physical roads and enforcement.

Subject to the outcome of the consultations, all of which close on 31 March 2026, the next step will be for the government to introduce changes to the law.

IoTA Chairman Greg Powell welcomed the Strategy, calling it a “landmark moment for improving safety”.

For commercial vehicle operators, one of the biggest changes is to bring Britain in line with Northern Ireland and the EU, with 18 mandatory safety systems to be fitted to all classes of new vehicles, including trucks, vans, coaches and buses. The consultation to change GB Vehicle Type Approval is underway. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/mandating-vehicle-safety-technologies-in-gb-type-approval/mandating-vehicle-safety-technologies-in-gb-type-approval

Although the UK participated in making the EU legislation, which came into force in July 2022, it was not transferred into British law, due to Brexit.

This means that there are now differing safety requirements between Britain and NI (classed under EU rules) and the EU. The government says this may result in economic penalties as British operators may see an increase in costs for optional safety systems that are fitted as standard in the rest of Europe. Also, the different standards could mean a reduced ability to sell used vehicles to other countries.

While the national media has selected some very specific proposals for discussion, the consultations cover more than the initially-reported headlines.

Key points in the consultations are:

• Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for all drivers over 70, and developing options for cognitive testing. for older drivers
• Changes to penalties for motoring offences (failure to wear a seatbelt, hit-and-run, driving while unlicensed/no current keeper/ no insurance/ no MOT, illegal/fake numberplates)
• Lowering the drink-drive limit and immediate licence suspension for fatal/serious injury offences prior to appearing in court
• Mandating 18 vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval – for all vehicles – as already applied in the EU and Northern Ireland since July 2022
• Improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing
• A minimum learning period for learner car drivers, and lower drink-drive limits for their first two years.
• Reviewing the law for powered mobility scooters/wheelchairs

Alongside the consultations, other proposals to be worked on by the DfT include:

• Fair competition with a focus on the less-tightly regulated LGV and ‘last mile’ delivery vehicle market, currently outside the Traffic Commissioners’ Operator Licencing system.
• Explore the benefits and feasibility of financial incentives for voluntary training, and awareness raising on trailer and towing safety (all vehicle classes).
• Explore opportunities to further DVSA’s ‘Earned recognition’ scheme
• Actions to ensure roadworthiness and load security:
• Work with industry to develop and publish recommended maintenance standards for light trailers, LGVs and agricultural trailers
• Refine the DVSA’s approach to enforcement to target operators of Light Goods Vehicles/vans and trailers who don’t have robust systems to ensure safety
• Launch an industry-led communications package on load security and roadworthiness
• Explore the case for a wider safety review of Light Goods Vehicles and vans
• Piloting a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Good Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles
• Publish national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity and a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.
• Continue to encourage safer behaviours via THINK!
• To ensuring commitments are delivered, the government will establish a new Road Safety Board

The Road Safety Strategy is here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/695e2cff8832ab3a48513809/road-safety-strategy.pdf