UK cars to adopt international rules in huge update which could impact petrol, diesel and EV drivers

The Department for Transport specifically looked at whether to introduce changes to emergency call systems in passenger cars, as well as launching new rules from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in regards to vehicle safety.

All motor vehicles are required to have "type-approval" before they go on sale, as it ensures manufacturers are producing vehicles which comply with safety and environmental legislation.

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Several new rules are set to be introduced following the outcome of the consultation, including:

• 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

In total, the consultation received 17 responses, including five private individuals, four companies and eight representative bodies.

There was general support for new eCall systems as they would be future-proofed against the switch-off of 2G and 3G networks in the UK by 2033.

It was backed by companies and representative bodies, who argued that it created a unified system with UK and European manufacturers, despite some concerns about the pricing of new vehicles.

There was also mass support for new regulations regarding windscreen wash and demist systems, as it would allow vehicles to remain safe and functional under all weather conditions.

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The Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO) is also likely to be introduced as it contains more accurate data on fuel consumption levels and CO2 emissions.

Proposals for new ISOFIX regulations were also backed, with respondents praising the enhanced child safety measures.

However, there were some concerns around the introduction of automated lane keeping systems (ALKS) technology, namely the impact it would have on its recording data on the location of an accident and whether this would be shared with insurers.

The Department for Transport confirmed that it would continue to update GB type approval for road vehicles, with the measures being introduced through a Statutory Instrument.

Although there are some fears around additional costs on consumers, the DfT outlined that any savings from the harmonisation of regulations would reduce costs, which would be passed on to consumers.

It stated: "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."