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.
While the European Union adopted these measures in July 2022, and Northern Ireland aligned with EU standards, Great Britain has yet to follow suit.
PACTS has led a sustained campaign—through research, consultations, briefings, letters to government officials, and public advocacy—urging the UK government to adopt and exceed these standards. Doing so would not only save lives and prevent injuries but also unlock significant economic benefits and bolster the UK’s role as a leader in vehicle safety innovations
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.
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- 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—are designed to prevent crashes and reduce harm to all road users. By adopting GSR, the UK can modernise its vehicle safety framework, support industry innovation, and better protect lives on our roads.
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- 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 stands to benefit from aligning with these state-of-the-art standards.
- Vulnerable Road Users: The measures particularly improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable individuals.
- Enabling Future Technologies: GSR measures lay essential groundwork for connected and automated vehicles, aligning with UK goals for transport decarbonization and technological leadership.
Vehicle Safety Measures included in GSR
PACTS Campaign Timeline
2021–2022: Recognizing the Urgency & Shaping the Debate
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
PACTS Recommendations
To bridge the safety gap and enhance protection for all road users, PACTS recommends:
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- Immediate Adoption of GSR Measures: The UK should integrate all 15 GSR safety features into vehicle type-approval system without further delay.
- 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 urges the UK Government to seize the opportunity, introduce these life-saving measures, and reinstate the UK as a global leader in vehicle safety standards. Aligning or even surpassing EU GSR standards would mark a strong, independent policy decision—one that prioritizes the safety of all road users.
