Government introducing 18 car features 'sending costs soaring'

The UK government plans to require 18 advanced safety technology features on every vehicle sold in Great Britain after a Department for Transport consultation, a move it says could raise prices but improve protection for vulnerable road users. The proposals include automatic emergency braking and systems for cyclist “blind spot” detection and braking, plus automatic speed reduction when limits are exceeded. The package also calls for distraction-detection technology, drowsiness alerts, lane-keeping corrections, and intelligent speed assistance. The Road Safety Strategy targets a 65% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2035. Transport minister Simon Lightwood MP cited 1,600 deaths and 28,000 serious injuries in 2024 as reasons further action is needed. Road safety charity Brake supports the measures.