With the recent publication of the Road Safety Strategy, CIHT was pleased to report back that a number of recommendations put forward were included in the draft strategy.  

CIHT would like to highlight that there are a number of key consultations that you can help contribute responses to:

Developing the Automated Vehicles Regulatory Framework - a call for evidence.

Developing the Automated Vehicles Regulatory Framework - a call for evidence.  Developing the Automated Vehicles Regulatory Framework, Call for Evidence 

As there are a number of questions, please email technical@ciht.org.uk with answers to the questions you think are relevant to CIHT and the highways and transportation sector.

National Planning Policy Framework

The UK Government published (on 16 December) new proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and launched a consultation seeking feedback on this round of proposed revisions to the NPPF. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has said that the changes will ‘help optimise land use through well-designed, higher-density development, simplified biodiversity rules for smaller sites – and fast-track good housing projects that meet national standards for energy efficiency.’ 

Reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on ‘Reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements’. 

It explores the growing issue of unadopted amenities on privately managed housing estates in England, where communal infrastructure such as roads, green spaces and drainage systems are maintained by private management companies rather than public authorities.   

Introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED)

At Budget 2025, the government announced electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED): a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, which will take effect from April 2028. This consultation sets out further detail on how eVED will work and seeks views its design and implementation.  Further information here: Consultation on the Introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) - GOV.UK

Speed Limit Review in Northern Ireland

The Department for Infrastructure seeks views on three main areas regarding road safety:

• 20mph speed limits
• National speed limit on single carriageway rural roads, dual carriageway roads; and,
• Speed limits for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Further information here: Speed Limit Review 2026 | Department for Infrastructure