The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the stage for a new era in mobility, but the real test lies in how automated vehicles (AVs) should be regulated once they are in use on UK roads.

Published: 21 January 2026
Author: Ben Gardner

The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the stage for a new era in mobility, but the real test lies in how automated vehicles (AVs) should be regulated once they are in use on UK roads.

With the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest call for evidence now open, stakeholders have the chance to help design the frameworks that will keep AVs safe, fair and accountable for years to come.

Why does this matter?

As AVs move from trials to everyday reality, the focus shifts from getting them on the road to making sure they stay safe, legal and trustworthy. Chapter two of the DfT’s call for evidence is all about the rules, oversight and safeguards that will apply once AVs are in service – covering everything from ongoing compliance and incident investigation to cyber security, accessibility and environmental impact.

What is the Government asking for?

The DfT wants practical feedback from anyone with an interest in AVs – including manufacturers, operators, insurers, tech providers, accessibility advocates and more. Your experience can help shape:

• how AVs are monitored and regulated in real time
• what happens when things go wrong – accidents, infractions or cyber-attacks
• how to ensure AVs are accessible and environmentally responsible.

Key areas for input

In-use regulatory scheme

Once AVs are authorised and licensed, they will be subject to ongoing oversight. The Government is designing an “in-use regulatory scheme” to monitor whether AVs and their operators continue to meet safety and legal standards. This includes:

• regular checks that vehicles and operators comply with authorisation and licensing requirements
• systems for reporting and investigating incidents or traffic infractions
• powers for regulators to collect data, issue compliance notices and take enforcement action if standards slip.

The Government wants to know what information should be collected, how incidents should be reported and what practical challenges you foresee in keeping AVs compliant over their lifetime.

Sanctions

If an AV or its operator fails to meet regulatory standards, a range of sanctions may apply. These include compliance notices, redress orders, fines and even suspension or withdrawal of authorisation or licences. The Government is seeking views on:

• when and how different sanctions should be used
• how to ensure sanctions are fair, proportionate and effective
• lessons from other industries on flexible, non-criminal enforcement.

Incident investigation

A new independent incident investigation function is being proposed, modelled on the UK’s air, rail and marine accident branches. These statutory inspectors will investigate AV incidents to learn lessons and improve safety – not to assign blame. The Government is asking:

• what skills and resources inspectors will need
• how to ensure investigations are thorough, transparent and lead to real improvements
• how to balance openness with protection of sensitive data and commercial interests.

AV cyber security

With AVs relying on complex software and connectivity, cyber security is a top priority. The Government is looking for evidence on:

• how cyber security risks should be managed for vehicles, operators and remote operations centre
• what capabilities operators need to detect and respond to cyber incidents
• how and when cyber incidents should be reported and what information should be included.

Accessibility

AVs have the potential to transform mobility for disabled and elderly people, but only if accessibility is built in from the start. The Government wants feedback on:

• how AV services can be made safe and inclusive for all users
• what reporting and advisory mechanisms should be in place to monitor accessibility.

Environmental impacts of automated vehicles

The environmental footprint of AVs will depend on factors like energy use, emissions, resource consumption and end-of-life disposal. The Government is seeking views on:

• which environmental impacts matter most for AV
• ·how production, operation and disposal of AVs can be managed to minimise harm
• what evidence exists on the likely effects of AVs in the UK context.

Why your input matters

This call for evidence is a genuine opportunity to shape the UK’s AV landscape. The Government is seeking practical insights on everything from in-use monitoring and accident investigation to ensuring AVs are accessible and sustainable. Your perspective can help ensure the regulatory framework is both robust and workable.

The call for evidence is lengthy and therefore respondents are encouraged to provide meaningful views on questions that fall within their expertise. There is no requirement to respond to all questions. Clear, practical examples and suggestions are especially valuable.

By responding to the questions (accessible here) in a targeted way, you can directly influence how self-driving vehicles are authorised, monitored and managed – helping to build a system that reflects the needs and ambitions of your organisation and the sector more broadly.

The call for evidence is open until 5 March 2026.

Conclusion

The rules set now will shape how AVs are monitored, investigated and held accountable for years to come. By sharing your insights, you can help build a regulatory system that is robust, fair and future-proof – protecting public safety while supporting innovation.

If you’d like guidance on preparing your response or want to discuss how these proposals could affect your organisation, please contact Shoosmiths’ mobility team.