Changes to vastly improve the safety on our roads
For the first time in over a decade, the Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to transform the safety of British roads. Published on 7th January 2026, the Road Safety Strategy (RSS) marks a significant shift toward a “Vision Zero” philosophy—an approach that treats road deaths not as inevitable “accidents,” but as preventable tragedies.
The headline targets are striking: the government aims to slash deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. Even more priority is being placed on the next generation, with a goal to reduce casualties among children under 16 by 70%.
The Four Pillars of Safety
To reach these targets, the strategy moves away from piecemeal fixes, instead organising interventions under four massive “Pillars of Action”:
- 1. Supporting Road Users: Focused on education and behavioural change.
- 2. Innovation & Technology: Leveraging data for safer vehicles and faster post-collision response.
- 3. Infrastructure: Ensuring roads are designed to be "forgiving" when human errors occur.
- 4. Enforcement: Using robust legal measures to protect the most vulnerable.
Cracking Down on the "Small" Things (That Cause Big Problems)
While the strategy looks at the big picture, it also zooms in on specific, often overlooked issues that impact daily driving and the vehicle testing industry (MOT). At this point we do not know what changes are being considered.
1. The End of “Ghost” Plates
Illegal number plates—specifically “ghost plates” designed to evade ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras—are in the crosshairs. The DVLA and DVSA will lead a review of the current standard for number plates to ensure that law-breakers have nowhere to hide.
2. Solving the “Blinding” Problem
If you feel like modern headlights are getting brighter, you aren’t alone. The government is launching research into headlamp glare to determine if modern vehicle design is at fault. Simultaneously, they are launching a crackdown on the sale of illegal, high-intensity retrofit bulbs that dazzle oncoming drivers.
3. Demystifying ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist and emergency braking, are becoming standard. However, many drivers don’t fully understand their limits. The DfT plans to work with manufacturers to ensure drivers receive crystal-clear information on what these systems can—and cannot—do.
The Future of Vehicle Manufacturing: 18 New Mandates
In perhaps the most ambitious move, the government is consulting on mandating 18 new safety technologies for all new vehicles produced under the Great Britain type approval scheme.
This would mean features that were once “premium extras” could soon be legal requirements, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): For vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): To help prevent accidental speeding.
- Driver Drowsiness & Distraction Warning: Monitoring fatigue and phone use.
- Event Data Recorders: To help investigators understand the causes of collisions.
The Road Ahead
This 2026 strategy represents a pivotal moment for the UK. By combining “smart” vehicle technology with stricter enforcement and better infrastructure, the DfT is betting that we can make the next decade the safest in the history of British motoring.
You can read the report in full here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-safety-strategy
As East Anglia’s leading independent MOT and service centres, we are there to provide MOT and servicing for your cars, vans and 4×4’s whatever the future brings.
