Britain's road safety laws are decades out of date and desperately need overhauling to address modern vehicles and transport methods, the RAC has warned.
The motoring organisation said current legislation cannot cope with electric cars, advanced driver-assistance systems, e-scooters and other new transport devices flooding UK roads.
Many foundational road safety laws were written decades ago, long before today's technological advances, the RAC argued. This outdated framework may be contributing to ongoing safety concerns as lawmakers struggle to regulate new forms of transport.
The call for reform comes as road safety remains a major public concern. Whilst overall casualties have declined long-term, new challenges are emerging that require urgent government action.
A comprehensive review would examine driver training, vehicle standards, enforcement powers and the legal status of new transport modes like e-scooters, which currently operate in a regulatory grey area.
Any overhaul could mean significant changes for millions of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Driving tests might be updated, vehicle manufacturers could face new regulations, and road traffic penalties could be revised.
The government has previously shown interest in modernising transport law, but a full-scale review would be a massive undertaking requiring careful balance between safety improvements and practical implementation.
The RAC's intervention reflects growing expert consensus that Britain's road safety laws need urgent updating to protect all road users in the modern age.