UK Mandates 18 High-Tech Safety Features for New Vehicles

The Department for Transport is mandating 18 high-tech safety features for all new vehicles sold in Great Britain. Following a public consultation, the government will implement legislation requiring technologies including intelligent speed assistance, drowsiness alerts, and automatic emergency braking for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

This initiative is a component of a broader Road Safety Strategy that aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood stated that mandating these features will ensure the benefits of innovative technology are realized in Great Britain while supporting the competitiveness of the automotive sector.

The road safety charity Brake supports the measures, arguing that British drivers should be protected by the same safety requirements as those across Europe. However, critics warn that these requirements may increase vehicle purchase prices, repair costs, and long-term maintenance expenses. The department decided against mandating alcohol interlock interface facilitation, which would have simplified the installation of breathalyzer ignition systems.