Major road law change 2026 planned with key details released in DfT consultation

The Department for Transport (DfT) is calling on motorists to share their views on the future of autonomous vehicles ahead of a significant transformation in 2026. Driverless taxi, private-hire, and bus-style services are poised to debut on British roads from spring next year, following a recent decision to fast-track pilot schemes.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has now unveiled a consultation on the automated passenger services (APS) permitting scheme and a draft statutory instrument on the subject. The latter document sets out crucial legal frameworks governing how autonomous services will be overseen once operational across Great Britain.

Motorists can access documents online and are encouraged to share their perspectives on the plans from today (July 21) through to 23:59 on September 28, 2025. In a statement, Lilian Greenwood explained: "Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive.

"We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption. This technology doesn’t just have the potential to improve transport for millions of people.

"It will help stimulate innovation, create thousands of jobs, and drive investment to put more money in people’s pockets – all part of delivering our Plan for Change."

The government consultation follows a recent move to fast-track pilot schemes for autonomous vehicles, with launches planned by 2026. Whilst driverless trials have been running in the UK since 2015, the shift will allow companies to test small-scale automated services with greater freedom.

This could potentially clear the path for wider deployment once the Automated Vehicles Act comes into full effect from late 2027. The DfT hopes that driverless services will boost travel choices nationwide and generate 38,000 jobs, 'unlocking a £42 billion sector' by 2035.

Its consultation invites representative bodies, trade unions, interested parties, and members of the public to contribute their opinions and influence upcoming government strategy.

Three particular focus areas highlighted by the DfT are:

• How services of self-driving vehicles are approved by councils
• When a permit to operate a service should be varied, suspended or withdrawn
• How self-driving vehicles can be made as accessible as possible for disabled and older people

Wayve and Oxa are among the British companies to have already spearheaded developments in self-driving technology. In a statement, Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, also said: "As the first company to trial an autonomous vehicle on UK roads back in 2016, we are delighted to see the UK continuing to progress towards making automated vehicle services a commercial reality.

"The APS scheme will enable the deployment of innovative public transport services that will augment our current transport network, making it easier and more accessible than ever to get around."

For further details on the open consultation, visit GOV.UK, here. The public can respond online via the website or fill out a separate form.