The Government has confirmed it will press ahead with plans to require a wide range of advanced vehicle safety technologies on new mass-produced vehicles entering the Great Britain market.
The announcement follows a public consultation launched earlier this year on proposals to incorporate 18 safety technologies into the GB type approval scheme. The DfT says the measures will enhance vehicle safety, reduce collisions and improve casualty outcomes, while bringing Great Britain more closely into line with vehicle safety standards already operating in Northern Ireland and across Europe.
The technologies will apply to new vehicle types seeking GB type approval and include systems designed to prevent or mitigate collisions, such as:
- Advanced emergency braking systems
- Blind spot information systems
- Driver drowsiness and attention warning systems
- Driver distraction warning systems
- Emergency lane keeping systems
- Intelligent speed assistance
- Reversing detection technologies
- Event data recorders
The Government said responses to the consultation showed broad support for the proposals from road safety organisations, industry bodies and other stakeholders. Following consideration of the responses, it has decided to proceed with legislation requiring the technologies to be fitted to relevant new vehicles, alongside transitional arrangements for manufacturers.
One proposed measure that will not be mandated at this stage is an alcohol interlock interface. The interface enables alcohol interlock devices to be installed more easily in vehicles but does not prevent drink driving on its own. The Government concluded there is currently no wider policy framework for alcohol interlocks in Great Britain and that requiring the interface alone would deliver limited benefits. However, it said the technology will remain under review as future policy develops.
The DfT believes the move will improve protection for vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users, while reducing the burden on manufacturers by aligning GB requirements with international standards already adopted in many other markets.
Road Safety GB was among the organisations responding to the consultation, expressing support for the introduction of the safety technologies as an important step towards reducing deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads.
The Government will now develop the necessary legislation, with implementation expected to follow a phased introduction for new vehicle types before extending to all newly registered vehicles covered by the regulations. Following feedback from manufacturers, the implementation timetable has been extended, with new vehicle types required to comply 12 months after the legislation comes into force, rather than the six months originally proposed.
Comment on this story