# UK road safety reforms 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-road-safety-reforms-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-04T09:36:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 the UK government announced two new measures aimed at improving road safety: random roadside eyesight tests for all drivers, mandatory vision checks for those over 70, and a pilot photo‑capture system for MOT inspections to curb “ghost MOTs”.

A few days later, in early August, the Department for Transport opened a broader consultation on additional road‑safety legislation. Proposals included changing the six‑month limit for speed‑camera offences, introducing harsher penalties such as roadside vehicle seizure, and adding penalty points for offences like invalid MOTs, uninsured driving, and cloned plates. Both steps reflect a coordinated push to strengthen enforcement and reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

Together, the initiatives show a rapid expansion of the UK’s road‑safety strategy, moving from targeted technical measures to a wider legislative overhaul within a short period.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: UK Government Proposes Major Road Safety Law Changes

The UK Department for Transport is consulting on reforms to speed‑camera time limits and tougher MOT and insurance penalties, aiming to cut road deaths and serious injuries, with legislation expected later this

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-proposes-major-road-safety-law-changes

### 2026-07-30: UK Introduces New Driver Vision and MOT Photo Checks to Boost Road Safety

UK road‑safety reforms give police random eyesight tests and licence revocation powers, while DVSA adds photo capture to MOTs to stop fake inspections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-introduces-new-driver-vision-and-mot-photo-checks-to-boost-road-safety

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Cite as: UK road safety reforms 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-road-safety-reforms-2026