New National Road Safety Strategy – What operators need to know
07 January 2026
The Department for Transport has published a new National Road Safety Strategy, the first comprehensive strategy for over a decade.
The strategy sets ambitious long-term outcomes aimed at substantially reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions by 2035, with particular emphasis on protecting younger road users and improving overall fleet safety.
For commercial vehicle operators and employers, understanding the implications of this strategy is essential for maintaining compliance, managing work-related road risk, and supporting driver training.
Four key priorities of the strategy
Supporting road users
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Focus on education, skills, and behaviour
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Measures for new driver training and development
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Consideration of vision and cognitive capability for older drivers
Implication for operators: Driver competence is central. Training programmes should be reviewed to reflect updated safety guidance.
Using technology, data, and innovation
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Greater use of vehicle technology and telematics
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Enhanced data sharing and post-collision analysis
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Data-led insights to prevent future incidents
Implication for operators: Integrate telematics and collision reporting into training and compliance procedures.
Safer road infrastructure
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Infrastructure improvements to reduce risk for vulnerable road users
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Guidance for local authorities on road design and management
Implication for operators: Awareness of infrastructure changes can support route planning, risk assessments, and driver instruction.
Stronger and more effective enforcement
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Enforcement remains central to road safety
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Review of penalties and proportionate application for all operators
Implication for operators: Keeping up to date with enforcement approaches is key for compliance and operator training.
What this means for commercial vehicle operators
Earned Recognition
Operators demonstrating high compliance standards may see expanded benefits under the scheme.
Penalties and sanctions
The penalties regime will remain under review, including enforcement for non-UK operators on UK roads.
National work-related road safety charter
A new Charter is being piloted for organisations whose staff drive or ride for work, promoting consistent safety standards.
Road safety investigation branch
Planned data-led post-collision examinations may influence operator training and compliance processes.
How Back Academy can help
Our training programmes align with current regulatory guidance and best-practice standards.
We offer support for:
Ensure your drivers and operators are prepared for the latest standards and regulatory expectations. Contact Back Academy to book courses or discuss tailored training for your team.
Read the full strategy
The full National Road Safety Strategy is available on GOV.UK, providing detailed guidance on next steps, consultations, and proposed regulatory changes.
