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Consultation on the draft statutory Statement of Safety Principles

17 June 2026

Proposing MP
Simon Lightwood Labour (Co-op)
Wakefield and Rothwell
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The Government is publishing its analysis of responses to last year’s Call for Evidence and launching a statutory consultation on the draft Statement of Safety Principles (SoSP) for Automated Vehicles.

Action Requested

The government is seeking views from organisations representing road users, road safety groups, and self-driving vehicle businesses until September 2026. Subject to the outcome, the statutory SoSP will be laid before Parliament next year for approval.

Key Facts

  • The Government published an analysis of responses to last year’s Call for Evidence on the Statement of Safety Principles.
  • A statutory consultation on the draft Statement of Safety Principles is being launched and will be open until September 2026.
  • The SoSP aims to ensure AVs are safe, with a safety standard equivalent to careful and competent human drivers.
  • The principles cover five broad themes consistent with human driver behaviours.
  • The SoSP consultation has been laid as a command paper in both Houses.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy