Overview
The General Safety Regulation (GSR) is a transformative package of vehicle safety measures designed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road. Often described as the “biggest advance in vehicle safety since the seat belt” and a “vaccine for vehicles,” the GSR sets out comprehensive requirements for new cars, vans, buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles. These measures include advanced emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance, improved direct vision for HGV drivers, and other technologies that protect all road users – both inside and outside the vehicle.
Following a sustained PACTS campaign, the UK Government has announced that it will mandate key vehicle safety technologies through the GB type approval system, introducing measures aligned with the General Safety Regulation. This represents a major milestone in improving vehicle safety standards in Great Britain and bringing proven safety technologies to more vehicles.
PACTS welcomes this decision and celebrates the Government’s commitment to introducing these life-saving measures. We will continue to engage with government, industry and stakeholders to support effective implementation and ensure that these technologies deliver their full safety benefits.
The Government’s announcement follows years of campaigning and advocacy from PACTS and partners, including research, consultations, briefings, parliamentary engagement and public campaigning to highlight the urgent need for action.
The introduction of these measures marks an important step forward for road safety in Great Britain and demonstrates the value of evidence-based policy making.
History of Vehicle Safety Regulation
Vehicle safety regulations have evolved significantly over the past century, particularly in Europe and the UK. The foundation of modern safety laws can be traced back to the mid-20th century when governments recognized the rising fatalities on roads and began implementing policies to protect vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users.
-
- 1950s-1960s: The first seat belt laws were introduced, and crash testing of vehicles became standard practice in some countries.
- 1970s: The UK became one of the first nations to mandate seat belts in new vehicles, significantly reducing road fatalities.
- 1980s–1990s: Europe led the way in setting stricter vehicle safety standards, including crash protection regulations and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). On 31 January 1983 legislation came into force in the UK making seatbelt wearing compulsory where fitted in the front of cars.
- 2000s: The European Union introduced the New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which rates vehicle safety based on rigorous testing.
- 2010s: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like electronic stability control (ESC) and lane departure warning became mandatory in new vehicles in the EU.
- 2022: The General Safety Regulation (GSR) was adopted by the EU, introducing a comprehensive package of safety features designed to protect both vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users.
Key Benefits of adopting the GSR
The General Safety Regulation (GSR) represents the UK’s next vital step in improving vehicle safety. These advanced, life-saving technologies – already standard across the EU – will now be introduced through GB type approval requirements, helping to prevent crashes and reduce harm to all road users. By adopting GSR, the UK is modernising its vehicle safety framework, supporting industry innovation, and better protecting lives on our roads.
-
- Lives Saved: Up to 1,762 fatalities and 15,612 serious injuries could be prevented in the UK over 16 years, according to research by TRL at PACTS’ request.
- Economic Gain: Avoided casualties could amount to £7 billion in savings.
- Support for UK Industry: With a tradition of pioneering vehicle safety, the UK automotive sector will benefit from alignment with these advanced safety standards and clearer regulatory expectations.
- Vulnerable Road Users: The measures will improve safety outcomes for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users by helping to prevent collisions and reduce their severity.
- Enabling Future Technologies: GSR measures provide an important foundation for connected and automated vehicles, supporting UK ambitions for safer, more innovative transport systems.
Vehicle Safety Measures included in GSR
PACTS Campaign Timeline
2021–2022: Recognizing the Urgency & Shaping the Debate
-
- PACTS Briefing “Vaccine for Vehicles” (February 2022):
This comprehensive briefing outlines the necessity for the UK government to promptly adopt all 15 GSR measures. The integrated nature of these measures offers a pivotal opportunity to rejuvenate road safety improvements, which have plateaued since 2010.
Read the full briefing - Consultation Submission to DfT (November 2021):
The Department for Transport’s review – “Future of Transport Regulatory Review: Modernising Vehicle Standards” – closed in November 2021. PACTS submitted comprehensive proposals urging the full adoption of GSR measures as part of a new GB-wide type-approval system. To date, the government’s analysis of this consultation is still pending.
PACTS Consultation Response - Former Transport Ministers’ Letter (February 2022):
Six former transport ministers wrote to then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, echoing PACTS’ call. They emphasized that this package represented the most significant safety advance since the seat belt. While a reply was received, action remains overdue.
Read the letter
- PACTS Briefing “Vaccine for Vehicles” (February 2022):
2022–2023: EU Implementation & Growing UK Pressure
-
- EU and Northern Ireland Implementation (July 2022):
From July 2022, the GSR standards began to apply to all new vehicle models type-approved in the EU, and Northern Ireland mirrored these standards. In the EU, these features are now standard for new vehicles, while British consumers sometimes have to pay extra for them—or risk missing out altogether. - “Still Unvaccinated” Briefing (2023):
One year on from EU adoption, PACTS published a renewed call to action. The UK’s inaction stands in stark contrast to the EU’s leadership. British drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians continue to wait for the safety enhancements that their European counterparts now take for granted.
Read the 2023 briefing: [Still Unvaccinated – GSR One Year On] - APPG on Transport Safety & Parliamentary Action (August 2023):
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety wrote directly to the Prime Minister, urging the swift adoption of GSR measures. The Transport Secretary’s subsequent response, while acknowledging the need, has yet to translate into policy changes.
APPG Letter and Government Response; Letter to Prime Minister; Reply from the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper
- EU and Northern Ireland Implementation (July 2022):
2024: Renewed Calls & Broad Coalition Support
-
- 2024: Manifesto for Road Safety Launched
PACTS published a ground-breaking manifesto backed by over 30 organisations, calling for urgent government action on four strategic priorities including a national strategy, a Road Safety Investigation Branch, graduated driver licensing, and advanced vehicle safety regulations.
Read the Manifesto Briefing
- 2024: Manifesto for Road Safety Launched
2025 – 2026: Road Safety Strategy Publication and Consultation
-
- The UK Government has published a National Road Safety Strategy, which includes proposals to introduce vehicle safety technologies aligned with the General Safety Regulations. A consultation on these changes is currently with the Government for its response.
16 July 2026: Government announces decision to mandate vehicle safety technologies
-
-
Following consultation, the UK Government published its response confirming that it will mandate 18 General Safety Regulation-aligned vehicle safety technologies through the GB type approval system. The decision represents a major milestone for vehicle safety in Great Britain and follows years of campaigning by PACTS and partners.
The measures will introduce proven technologies designed to improve safety for vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users, including advanced emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance, driver monitoring systems and other advanced safety features.
-
PACTS Recommendations
To bridge the safety gap and enhance protection for all road users, PACTS recommends:
-
- Implementation of GSR Measures: The UK Government should ensure that the announced safety technologies are introduced effectively and monitored to maximise their impact on road safety.
- Enhanced Data Collection: Improving the recording and analysis of collision data to provide a clearer picture of road safety challenges and inform targeted interventions.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate drivers and the general public about the benefits of GSR technologies to facilitate smoother adoption and acceptance.
- Addressing Inequalities: in Road Safety Outcomes: Implement vehicle design changes that prioritise the safety of those most at risk of harm.
- Keeping Pace Globally: As connected and automated vehicles rise, adhering to GSR standards ensures the UK doesn’t lag in next-generation transportation systems.
PACTS welcomes the Government’s decision to mandate these important vehicle safety technologies and celebrates this significant step forward for road safety in Great Britain. This announcement reflects the impact of sustained campaigning and evidence-based advocacy.
The focus now moves to effective implementation, ensuring that these measures are delivered successfully and that the benefits are realised for all road users
