Driving law changes planned for King's Speech tomorrow could have huge impact on Britons
The King's Speech will take place tomorrow
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Drivers are patiently waiting to see whether King Charles will introduce new laws to protect road users and improve the state of motoring in the UK.
King Charles will oversee the first State Opening of Parliament of his reign tomorrow, with the Prime Minister saying a “brighter future” would be introduced for Britons.
The 2022 Queen’s Speech took place in May last year and was delivered by the then-Prince Charles for the first time.
During the speech, it was outlined how the Government would improve motoring across the UK through details of the Transport Bill.
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This was to be done through safer and cleaner services, as well as enabling more innovation and improving rail services.
While it was announced, the Transport Bill was not taken forward, alongside the Conversion Therapy Bill and the Modern Slavery Bill.
A Parliament document states that the three Bills “may” appear in the coming session.
It adds that pieces of transport legislation could be included in the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow.
When asked about a planned timetable for the Transport Bill, the Government said: “We will progress legislation when parliamentary time allows.”
The Government said the Transport Bill would include vital legislation for the installation of more electric vehicle chargepoints and create a legal footing for the introduction of autonomous vehicles.
Since the Queen’s Speech last year, Ministers have suggested that other pieces of legislation could be introduced.
This would include laws on the use of e-scooters and pavement parking, as well as establishing a Road Safety Investigation Branch and creating tougher laws against dangerous cycling.
Speaking over the weekend, the Prime Minister outlined what would be included in the King’s Speech, saying he would deliver a “brighter future” for the UK.
Rishi Sunak added: “This will be the first King’s Speech in seventy years and the legislation we will bring forward is part of our plan to build a better future for the next seventy.
“Just as I have done with energy security, net zero, illegal migration and HS2, the King’s Speech will take the long-term decisions to address the challenges this country faces, not the easy way out with short-term gimmicks.”
There have been suggestions that any transport legislation introduced would prioritise new laws for autonomous vehicles.
A report released in September saw the Transport Committee call on the Government to develop new laws to support the self-driving vehicle industry.
It described current vehicle laws as “archaic and limiting”, with new rules needed to support the development of autonomous cars and maintain the UK’s “competitive advantage”.
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Legislation announced tomorrow could include self-driving cars
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Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Committee, said: “All that hard work could be at risk if the Government doesn’t follow through and bring forward a Transport Bill in the next Parliamentary session, before the next general election.”
Aside from motoring legislation, there are expectations that the Transport Bill will include very little about the much-anticipated Great British Railways.