UK Government Proposes Mandatory Safety Technologies for New Cars
Plans to make emergency braking and speed limiters mandatory in new cars

Image: Birmingham Live
The UK government is considering mandatory safety technologies for new cars as part of its Road Safety Strategy. Proposed features include automatic emergency braking for cyclists and pedestrians, lane-keeping assistance, and distraction alerts, aimed at reducing road fatalities and injuries. Over 1,600 lives were lost on UK roads in 2024 alone.
- 01The proposed technologies aim to enhance road safety for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- 02The consultation on these measures closed on May 11, 2026, with the government planning to outline next steps.
- 03Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) will default to 'on' to ensure safety benefits are not compromised by user choice.
- 04Intelligent speed assistance will alert drivers when they exceed speed limits but can be overridden.
- 05Simon Lightwood MP emphasized the need for action due to a slowdown in reducing road fatalities and serious injuries.
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The UK government is planning significant changes to vehicle safety regulations as part of its Road Safety Strategy, aiming to make advanced safety technologies mandatory in all new cars. This includes features such as automatic emergency braking for cyclists and pedestrians, lane-keeping assistance, and systems to warn drivers of distractions. Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, highlighted the urgency of these measures, noting that over 1,600 lives were lost and 28,000 people were seriously injured on UK roads in 2024. The consultation regarding these proposed technologies concluded on May 11, 2026, and the government will announce next steps soon. The Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS) will be designed to remain active by default, ensuring that safety features are not disabled by drivers. Additionally, intelligent speed assistance will alert drivers when they exceed speed limits, though drivers can override this system. These measures are intended to leverage technological advancements to enhance road safety and protect vulnerable road users.
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These proposed changes could significantly enhance road safety for all users in the UK, potentially reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.
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