Legislation update – August 2025

Consultations which opened in August 2025

DBT – Amendments to the MAIB regulations

DBT are seeking views on the draft UK Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2012. Opened 06/08/2025, closes 17/09/2025.

Consultations which closed in August 2025 

DBT – Network Charging Compensation Scheme uplift for energy intensive industries – GOV.UK

DBT sought views on uplifting the relief offered by the Network Charging Compensation Scheme from 60% to 90%. Opened 18/07/2025, closed15/08/2025.

HoC Transport Committee – Consultation – Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management) Code Regulations

Consultation on a revised approach to International Safety Management Code Regulations following the UK’s exit from the EU. Opened 17/07/2025, closed 04/08/2025.

HoC Transport Committee –  Changes proposed to the Congestion Charge to keep London moving

New Cleaner Vehicle Discount proposed in new public consultation incentivising the use of cleanest possible vehicles while managing traffic and congestion. Opened 27/05/2025, closed 04/08/2025.

Scottish Government – Consultation on Merchant Shipping Port State Control Regulations

Consultation on updates to Convention list and revised approach to Port State Control Regulations following the UK’s exit from the EU. Opened 04/07/2025, closed 01/08/2025

Announcements, August 2025 

28/08/2025 – OTC – Vehicle operator licence applications: guidance

List of traffic areas, local newspaper advert template and convictions and cautions you will need to declare when applying for a vehicle operator licence.

27/08/2025 – DfT – Transporting category A pathogens by road

Guidance for health professionals and those involved in the transport of category A pathogens by road, including:

• Definition of category A pathogens.

• Guidance on approved packaging.

26 August – DfT – Draft Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3)

Government objectives for the third road investment strategy (RIS3) from 2026 to 2031.

26/08/2025 – NI – Intertrade UK Terms of Reference and Work Programme

These documents set out the terms of reference and work programme of Intertrade UK.

22/08/2025 – DEFRA – Reforming the waste carrier, broker and dealer system

Sets out the government’s approach to improving the waste carrier, broker and dealer system in England.

21/08/2025 – DVSA – Update to DVSA’s brake testing guidelines

From Thursday 21 August 2025, DVSA has approved load simulation brake rollers for annual testing.

20/08/2025 – DVLA –  DVLA backs classic car industry and driving enthusiasts with updated registration policies – GOV.UK

New DVLA policies for restored, repaired and modified vehicles.

20/08/2025 – NI – Emergency Alert Test Follows Use in Storm Éowyn

With just weeks to go, people across Northern Ireland are being reminded to expect the second ever national Emergency Alert test. The system is designed to help protect lives by delivering urgent safety advice directly to mobile phones during major emergencies.

18/08/2025 – Government discounts for electric vans and trucks extended

Plug-in van and truck grant extended to at least 2027.

14/08/2025 – DVSA – Driving test and theory test data: passenger carrying vehicles (PCV)

Updated PCV theory test data for Great Britain, PCV theory test data by test centre, PCV driving test data for Great Britain and PCV driving test data by test centre, with data to March 2025.

14/08/2025 – DVSA – Driving test and theory test data: large goods vehicles (LGV)

Updated LGV theory test data for Great Britain, LGV theory test data by test centre, LGV driving test data for Great Britain and LGV driving test data by test with data to March 2025.

13/08/2025 – DEFRA – Permanent Secretary Appointed at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Paul Kissack is appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

13/08/2025 – DVSA – New theory test questions aim to boost cardiac arrest survival rate

From autumn 2025, driving theory tests will include new CPR questions and, for the first time, questions about defibrillators to boost cardiac arrest survival.

12/08/2025 – DVSA – Running a vehicle recovery business: driver and vehicle safety rules

Updated section 9.6 “Speed restrictions”, to add speed limits for different recovery vehicle and trailer combinations.

11/08/2025 – DVSA – MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles

Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension – 5.2.3. Tyres – added “The inspection of the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) does not apply to motor caravans, ambulances and hearses approved as M1 with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 2,500kg.”

07/08/2025 – TC – Vehicle operator licence applications: guidance

Updated the template in ‘Goods vehicle operator licence: newspaper advert template’ to include the web address to view the guide to making representations.

07/08/2025 – TC – Traffic Commissioners: annual report 2024 to 2025

About major aspects of the Traffic Commissioners’ judicial, regulatory and administrative roles between 2024 and 2025.

04/08/2025 – DVSA – DVSA publish their LGV enforcement strategy blog post

The blog post covers essential compliance knowledge for the 5.5 million LGVs operating across the UK, from local tradesmen to major delivery companies. It signposts how you can help you keep your vehicles compliant and your operations safe.

01/08/2025 – DfT – Reported road casualties in Great Britain, involving illegal alcohol levels: 2023.

2023 statistics on drink-drive collisions and casualties.

01/08/2025 – DVSA – Further updates to DVSA’s roadside prohibition notification process

From 7 August, if your Operator Licence has an email address recorded, operators will receive prohibition clearance notices by email instead of by post.

The email will include all the information usually included in the notice. This update will make the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.