Consultation outcome

Incorporating international rules into GB type approval for road vehicles – outcome

Updated 27 May 2025

Introduction

Motor vehicles are required to be type-approved before they go on sale. Type approval ensures that manufacturers are producing vehicles that comply with the safety and environmental obligations set out in legislation.

On 4 November 2024, the Department for Transport (DfT) published a consultation about incorporating international rules into GB type approval for road vehicles to seek views on whether to:

• update the standards for emergency call (eCall) systems that are required to be fitted to passenger cars and light vans

• introduce recognition of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 157 on automated lane keeping systems

• update the UNECE regulations that are acceptable to demonstrate compliance with requirements for the fitment of ISOFIX child restraint anchorages in vehicles

• enable manufacturers to calculate a vehicle’s fuel and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions created by the Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO)

• amend the test procedures for testing the performance of windscreen defrost/demist and wash/wipe systems

We also took the opportunity to consult on some minor measures and to gather views on options for inclusion in future updates to the Great Britain (GB) scheme.

The consultation asked 5 questions about our proposals. We also asked 1 open ended question about other future measures. This brought a wide range of responses, which are summarised below.

About the respondent

A total of 17 responses to the main set of consultation questions were received. Of those, 4 were companies and 8 representative bodies. The remainder were from private individuals. We are grateful for the considered evidence and opinions submitted in response to this consultation.

Table 1: respondents to the consultation

Type of respondent	Number of responses
Private individual	5
Companies	4
Representative Bodies	8

Summary of responses

eCall regulations

Question 1: do you agree or disagree on updating the eCall regulations?

Of the 17 responses, this proposal was generally supported, especially by the automotive industry. They believe that updating the eCall regulations will ensure vehicles are future-proofed ahead of the anticipated switch-off of 2G/3G networks in the UK by 2033.

Respondents from companies and representative bodies indicated that aligning the UK and European markets would enable manufacturers to develop a unified solution for both regions. This alignment is expected to ensure that consumers can use their vehicles with fully operational eCall systems, regardless of their location.

However, some private individuals expressed concern that new safety measures might increase the cost of vehicles. Their apprehension mainly revolves around the additional expenses that might be transferred to consumers due to the integration of updated technology in cars.

Overall, while the majority support the updates for their potential to improve safety and functionality, there remains a concern about the financial impact on vehicle purchasers.

Windscreen wash and demist systems regulations

Question 2: do you agree or disagree with updating the windscreen wash and demist systems regulations?

Those companies and representative bodies who responded were in full support of the proposal to update the regulations regarding windscreen wash and demist systems. They believed that this update would ensure that vehicles remain safe and functional under all weather conditions, contributing to overall road safety.

Among private individuals, 2 expressed concerns that the regulations or proposed updates might impose unnecessary burdens on vehicle manufacturers, while the remainder agreed with the proposal.

VECTO

Question 3: do you agree or disagree with implementing the Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO)?

Those who responded fully supported implementing VECTO. This tool is designed to provide more accurate data on a vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thereby allowing for better regulatory oversight and environmental benefits.

ISOFIX

Question 4: do you agree or disagree with our clarifying the GB regulations for ISOFIX?

The companies and representative bodies that responded supported in full our proposal to clarify the GB regulations for ISOFIX. They argued that clearer regulations would enhance child safety in vehicles by ensuring the proper installation and use of child restraint systems.

It was highlighted that the ISOFIX system reduces the risk of incorrect installation compared to traditional seatbelts, thereby significantly improving the safety of young passengers.

The responses also emphasised that updating and clarifying these regulations would ensure consistency with international standards, aiding the automotive industry in maintaining uniformity across different markets. This alignment with global practices would not only facilitate manufacturing processes but also reassures consumers about the reliability and safety of the child restraint systems used in their vehicles.

ALKS

Question 5: do you agree or disagree with adding United Nations (UN) Regulation 157 into the GB type approval scheme to enable automated lane keeping systems (ALKS) technology?

Around half of the respondents agreed with adding UN Regulation 157 into the GB type approval scheme to enable ALKS  technology.

However, there were some concerns from representative bodies from the insurance and financial service industry. These related to the potential implications for motor insurers if ALKS was introduced without additional requirements relating to recording data on location in the event of an accident and sharing data with insurers.

The responses also highlighted the importance of aligning with international standards to ensure consistency and reliability across markets.

Other comments

Question 6: what comments, if any, do you have on:

• reflecting in the GB scheme the consolidation of multiple UN lighting regulations into 3 regulations for road illumination, signalling and reflective devices (UN Regulations 148, 149 and 150)
• reflecting in the GB scheme the new UN regulations on vehicle security (UN Regulations 161, 162 and 163)
• our suggestions for updates to the information document
• our proposed approach on the technical requirements applicable to electrical safety for wheelchair accessibility conversions
• aligning with the European Union’s (EU) approach in Regulation (EU) 2024/883 to require manufacturers of light goods vehicles to specify the mass for batteries for electric vehicles on the statutory plate
• how we should approach maximum weights when towing
• updating GB domestic regulations on motorcycle head and eye protection to requiring compliance with the latest UN regulation (UN Regulation 22.06)

There is strong backing for including the latest United Nations lighting and security regulations in Great Britain and for aligning with EU standards for multi-stage electric vehicles. This alignment is considered necessary for staying updated with technological advancements and ensuring that the industry remains innovative.

Support for regulatory alignment with the EU was emphasised, particularly regarding the availability of base vehicles for conversion into special-purpose vehicles, such as wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Support for aligning regulatory standards with the EU for vehicle weight classifications and other standards was highlighted to avoid additional burdens on manufacturers.

The incorporation of international vehicle regulations to enhance safety and streamline standards was welcomed, with the approach viewed as beneficial for consistency and improving overall vehicle safety.

Next steps

Having considered the responses to this consultation, DfT will continue to update GB type approval for road vehicles. The following measures will be introduced through Statutory Instrument:

• updating the standards for eCall systems
• mandating compliance with the requirements of UNECE Regulation 157 on ALKS
• updating the UNECE regulations acceptable for demonstrating compliance with requirements for the fitment of ISOFIX
• enabling manufacturers to calculate a vehicle’s fuel and CO2 emissions
• amending the test procedures for assessing the performance of windscreen defrost/demist and wash/wipe systems

While some individuals are concerned about imposing additional costs on consumers, our analysis indicates that harmonisation of regulations generally reduces costs, both administratively and by removing the need for market specific design and testing. We would expect these savings to be passed on to consumers.

As contracting parties to UN Regulation 157, there is an obligation on the UK to accept approvals.

However, we do acknowledge the concerns from the insurance industry about the introduction of ALKS without further measures such as obligations on data sharing and recording of location in the event of an accident.

Following the recommendations made by the Law Commissions of England, Wales, and Scotland in their 2022 automated vehicles final report, our intention is to address this issue through implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. The process of listing automated vehicles under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 will be replaced under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 with the authorisation process, which determines whether a vehicle is sufficiently capable and safe to be considered ‘self-driving’.

Authorisation will apply to vehicles already on the road and all authorised vehicles will be subject to requirements for data recording, retention and sharing. Until the authorisation process is commenced, we will continue to facilitate discussions between vehicle manufacturers and insurers to develop approaches for meeting the insurer’s data needs.

We also recognise that many stakeholders have more broadly supported regulatory alignment, both through the incorporation of international UNECE regulations and recognition of EU regulations within the GB scheme.

DfT views developing international regulations as the most cost-effective way for us to ensure we maintain up-to-date standards. This allows for the latest developments in technology while meeting our aims of ensuring road vehicles are clean, quiet, safe and secure. Future updates to the GB type approval scheme will continue our approach of applying all relevant UNECE regulations.

In subject areas where UNECE regulations are not available, our preference will be to continue to maintain alignment with the equivalent regulations that apply in the EU. Our GB scheme is already closely aligned with the EU’s scheme and maintaining this helps businesses streamline their processes, avoid duplicate testing and supports dual marking to both schemes which facilitates the sale of vehicles UK wide.

Given the positive response regarding the other measures in the consultation, we will look to take them forward in future regulatory updates to the GB scheme.