All new vehicles sold in the UK from July 2024 will be fitted with 11 mandatory safety features, including "black box" data recorders and intelligent speed assistance systems, under European Union regulations Britain has chosen to adopt despite Brexit.
The updated General Safety Regulation (GSR2) extends requirements that applied to new vehicle types from July 2022 to cover every new car, van, lorry and bus entering the market. The comprehensive safety package aims to slash road deaths and serious injuries across British roads.
Key mandatory features include Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), which helps drivers stick to speed limits, and Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning systems that detect signs of fatigue or distraction. Event Data Recorders - the automotive equivalent of aircraft black boxes - will capture critical information in the moments before and during crashes to aid accident investigations.
Additional safety kit includes advanced emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and reversing cameras or sensors. Whilst many modern vehicles already feature these technologies, GSR2 makes them compulsory across all new models. The regulation also strengthens protection for pedestrians and cyclists through improved direct vision systems for lorries and buses, reducing dangerous blind spots.
The UK government confirmed it will adopt GSR2 standards despite leaving the EU, maintaining alignment with international safety requirements. The decision also helps streamline manufacturing for carmakers selling across Europe, avoiding the need for separate UK specifications.
The European Commission estimates full GSR2 implementation could prevent over 25,000 deaths and at least 140,000 serious injuries across Europe by 2038. British drivers may see insurance premiums fall over time as accident rates decline with the safer vehicles.
As the July deadline approaches, consumers buying new vehicles will find these advanced safety systems fitted as standard, marking a significant step towards reducing road casualties nationwide.