Legislation update – April 2026

DfT – Updating the minimum emission standard for new road vehicles

The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on a proposal to update the minimum emission standard to Euro 7.

Opened 13/04/2026, closes 25/05/2026

 

DBT – British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: consultation on regulatory changes and scheme delivery

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) aims to reduce electricity costs for manufacturing frontier industries within the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors (the IS-8), and foundational manufacturing industries which provide key inputs to the frontier industries, who meet the relevant electricity‑intensity threshold.

Opened 16/04/2026, closes 14/05/2026.

 

HSE – Consultation on proposals for The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

The consultation seeks stakeholder views on a range of legislative and non-legislative proposals to help reduce work-related ill health, one of HSE’s key strategic objectives. It also looks for options to reduce the burden on businesses, in making these reports to the regulator, through simplification of the reporting process.

Opened 08/04/2026, closes 30/06/2026.

 

DBT – Call for input on potential powers to protect the UK from adverse economic pressure

The purpose of this call for input is to seek views on whether the UK government should develop new domestic powers that would strengthen our current trade defence toolkit to protect the UK from adverse economic pressure, and on certain design features of those powers should they be developed. This delivers a commitment set out in the government’s 2025 Trade Strategy, reflecting the importance of ensuring the UK has the right tools to protect its economic interests in an increasingly challenging global trade environment.

Opened 09/04/2026, closes 18/06/2026.

 

EWR – East West Rail | Consultation 2026

The purpose of this consultation is to gather feedback on the updated proposals, particularly the elements which are new or have changed significantly since the previous consultation.

This consultation is intended to be EWR’s final consultation before it submits its Development Consent Order (DCO) application. Involvement in the consultation process gives you the opportunity to influence designs and help the project to address local needs and priorities.

Opened 14/04/2026, closes 09/06/2026.

 

Consultations which closed in April 2026

 

DfT – SAF revenue certainty mechanism: indicative heads of terms and contract allocation

Sought feedback on plans for a SAF revenue certainty mechanism by explaining the expected contractual provisions and options for allocating contracts.

Opened 12/01/2026, closed 03/04/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this: Industry views the RCM as an important policy tool to help develop the nascent industry and help scale up and establish the UK’s domestic production. However, continued engagement between industry stakeholders and government will be required to ensure that the details of the contract do not cause undue damage on industry, and support rather than hinder progress.

 

DfI – Proposals on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) in Northern Ireland

This consultation sought views on proposed changes to driver licensing entitlement to allow category B licence holders to drive zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) with a maximum authorised mass up to 4.25t.

 

Opened 10/03/2026, closed 06/04/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this: Logistics UK supports increasing the category B ZEGV weight limit from 3,500kg to 4,250kg in NI. Recommend full alignment with GB policy, including removing the proposed two-year licence requirement. Benefits include greater payload capacity, fewer vehicle trips and reduced barriers to ZEGV uptake and recommend the Department for Infrastructure utilises OZEV safety data to inform

final decisions.

 

DfT – Accelerating electricity network connections for strategic demand

Electricity networks are the backbone of Britain’s economic growth, decarbonisation, clean energy and digital future. Demand for electricity is set to more than double by 2050 as we race to electrify sectors across the entire economy, from hydrogen production, manufacturing and transport to housing developments and data centres.

Opened 11/03/2026 – closed 15/03/2026.

 

NI – Speed Limit Review 2026

 

Road safety is an issue that impacts on all of us in our everyday lives and is a matter the Department is committed to addressing.

Opened 14/01/2026, closed 22/04/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this:

• 20mph speed limits should be implemented where there is a clear safety case, particularly in residential areas and around schools, using targeted and flexible approaches rather than blanket implementation.

• Speed limit reductions on rural roads and selected dual carriageways should rely on collision data and risk assessments where a clear road safety benefit is demonstrated.

• Aligning HGV speed limits with those elsewhere in the UK would improve traffic flow, reduce unsafe overtaking, and support more efficient movement of goods across the network.

 

 

DESNZ – Future of the UK downstream oil sector

DESNZ sought evidence to inform an upcoming strategy for the downstream oil sector that promotes economic growth, energy security and ensures that the sector can support the UK’s energy transition. This was an opportunity for industry operators, trade associations, trade unions, subject matter experts, academics and any other stakeholders with an interest in the future of the sector to provide evidence as to how this sector can grow and adapt to the changing energy landscape.

Opened, 23/02/2026, closed 20/04/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this: Logistics UK strongly supports the development of a robust, long-term framework for the downstream oil sector that simultaneously strengthens domestic fuel supply resilience and accelerates the transition to low carbon fuel (LCF). These two objectives are not in contradiction but are mutually reinforcing.

 

Our response makes three central arguments:

• The UK’s almost total import dependence for key LCF – including HVO – creates a structural supply chain vulnerability that undermines operator confidence, distorting investment decisions, and exposes logistics businesses to the same geopolitical risks that the government seeks to reduce in its fossil fuel strategy. A domestic LCF production and manufacturing base must be a national priority.

• Decarbonisation, properly managed, is the most effective long-term route to energy security. Domestically generated renewable electricity and biofuels sourced from UK waste feedstocks are inherently less exposed to global commodity price shocks.

• Government must provide a clear, stable and long-term policy framework on LCF – including strengthened demand signals through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), fiscal incentives for LCF adoption and capital support for domestic production capacity to attract the investment needed to build a resilient system.

 

DfT – Ukrainian driving licences: extending the eligibility period in Great Britain by 24 months

Sought views on extending driving eligibility for Ukrainian licence holders from 36 to 60 months for some drivers and 54 to 78 months for others.

Opened 26/03/2026, closed 23/04/2026.

 

Announcements, April 2026

 

30/04/2026 – DVSA – How to stay compliant with aftermarket light products: vulnerable road user signs, decorative lights, and warning beacons

DVSA published a blog post on the compliance requirements for aftermarket lighting devices fitted to vehicles, particularly HGVs.

 

29/04/2026 – DfT – Vehicles statistics

Data and statistics about the number of licensed vehicles and new vehicle registrations, including zero emission vehicles, and vehicle excise duty evasion.

 

29/04/2026 – DfT – Statistics at DfT

Browse, search and learn about official statistics releases relating to the transport system across the United Kingdom.

 

28/04/2026 – DVSA – Tyre defects and damage: HGVs, buses and trailers

Updated section 2.1 to clarify that the legal requirements for tread depth also apply to public service vehicles.

 

27/04/2026 – DVSA – Download your HGV or trailer plating certificate and ministry plate

Download a replacement plating certificate and ministry plate for your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or trailer if you’ve lost or damaged the originals.

 

23/04/2026 – OTC – Statutory Document Summaries

The Traffic Commissioners have published Statutory Document Summaries. These do not replace the full documents, but they are to help operator licence holders, transport managers, applicants and vocational drivers to more easily understand the requirements of operator licensing and driver conduct.

 

17/04/2026 – HMRC – VAT road fuel scale charges from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027

Use these road fuel charges from 1 May 2026 on your VAT return, to account for private consumption of fuel on a business vehicle.

 

10/04/2026 – OTC – Key Traffic Commissioner Data

Helpful links to key Traffic Commissioner datasets and performance standards.

 

08/04/2026 – CO – Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland

Removed details on the Movement Assistance Scheme as the scheme is now closed.

 

07/04/2026 – DfT – Rental Vehicle Security Scheme (RVSS) code of practice

What the Rental Vehicle Security Scheme (RVSS) code of practice involves and how the vehicle rental sector can use it effectively.

 

06/04/2026 – HMRC – Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay Northern Ireland

Enhancement of Parental Leave and Pay – Miscarriage and day-one right to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay.

 

02/04/2026 – DfT – Better Connected: a strategy for integrated transport

Outlines the government’s long-term strategy for safe, reliable, affordable and accessible transport for people in England.