The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled its first major road safety strategy in over a decade, setting an ambitious target to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
For the UK’s independent aftermarket, the strategy signals a definitive shift toward a “tech-first” era of enforcement and regulation, placing MOT testers and technicians on the front line of vehicle compliance and maintenance.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.”
While the document focuses heavily on driver behavior, the technical implications for workshops are significant, with the government explicitly linking road safety to the rigorous maintenance of increasingly complex vehicle systems.
ADAS
Central to the new strategy is the mandated adoption of the General Safety Regulations, which requires the fitting of 18 specific vehicle safety technologies for new vehicles under the Great Britain type approval scheme.
This confirms that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ranging from autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance to intelligent speed assistance, are no longer optional extras but regulatory standards.
The government explicitly acknowledges the risk of these systems being misused or misunderstood, committing to work with the industry to ensure clear information is available.
For independent garages, this suggests that diagnostic capability and ADAS calibration will rapidly become as critical to daily operations as mechanical repair.
Compliance and fraud prevention form a major pillar of the strategy, with direct consequences for MOT testing stations.
The insider's take
“ADAS is now a core component of vehicle safety and a central pillar of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
“Independent garages are at the forefront of ensuring these systems continue to operate correctly after repair and maintenance work. Our role is to provide clear, practical guidance and support so members can meet recalibration responsibilities with confidence, accuracy and professionalism as ADAS becomes an everyday part of vehicle servicing.”
Ghost plates and dazzling lights
The DfT has announced a specific crackdown on the “growing problem” of illegal number plates, particularly ‘ghost’ plates designed to evade ANPR cameras.
The government plans to consult on tougher penalties for these modifications, including vehicle seizure, and will empower the DVLA to carry out more robust checks on suppliers.
In response to driver concerns about dazzling headlights, the DVSA is set to step up market surveillance to catch those selling illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs, reinforcing the MOT tester’s role in policing vehicle modifications.
MOT
The strategy also outlines measures to tackle MOT evasion and fraud directly. The document highlights that driving without an MOT risks vehicles being unroadworthy and poses a safety threat to all road users.
To combat this, the DVSA will continue to increase its use of automation and technology, cross-checking vehicle testing dates with the police National ANPR Service to detect non-compliance and investigate fraud.
The strategy explicitly mentions the regulation of “MOT garages” in this context, emphasizing that the integrity of the testing system is a priority for keeping unsafe vehicles off the road.
In a move that could create a specialized niche for the aftermarket, the government is consulting on the use of alcohol interlock devices for drink-drive offenders.
If implemented, these devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected, could be required as a condition for regaining a driving license. This would necessitate a network of approved installers to fit, calibrate, and maintain these tamper-proof systems.
Why it Matters
Ultimately, the strategy underlines that while human error is inevitable, the vehicle itself must provide a layer of protection, a responsibility that falls to the repair sector to maintain.
By mandating complex safety technologies and tightening the net on illegal modifications and MOT evasion, the government has effectively integrated the service and repair sector into its “Safe System” approach.
It’s fair to conclude that the future of road safety is inextricably linked to technical competence and strict compliance.
The government is banking on a “tech-first” future. Do you see these new mandates as a chance to grow your garage business, or just more red tape for the independent sector? Share your thoughts in the comments.
