New driving law will bring major change to all UK roads in 2026

A new driving law is set to have a significant impact on all British roads in just a couple of years.

The Department for Transport confirmed that self-driving vehicles could land on UK roads following a new Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becoming law today (May 20). Previously announced in the King's Speech, the AV Act could bring in over 38,000 new jobs in a £42 billion sector, according to the government.

The new law will require all self-driving vehicles to pass a level of safety where it is as careful and competent as human drivers while meeting other safety checks. The government added that potential deaths and injuries from drink-driving, speeding, and tiredness could be reduced.

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Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: "Britain stands at the threshold of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone moment for our self-driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever. While this doesn’t take away people’s ability to choose to drive themselves, our landmark legislation means self-driving vehicles can be rolled out on British roads as soon as 2026, in a real boost to both safety and our economy."

Automated vehicles are also expected to improve road safety by reducing human error - which contributes to 88 per cent of road collisions. The law also provides a legal framework for who is liable for AV's.

It means that motorists whose vehicles are in self-driving mode will not be responsible for how the vehicle operates. Meanwhile, companies- including insurance providers, software developers, and vehicle manufacturers will be able to hold responsibility.

Trials involving AV's have already taken place in