Legislation update – January 2026

Consultations which opened in January 2026

Transport Committee – Call for evidence: Road Safety Strategy

The call for evidence is to seek views on and examine the ambitions and potential effectiveness of the government’s Road Safety Strategy.

Opened 29/01/2026, closes 13/03/2026.

 

DfT – New HGV CO2 emissions regulatory framework for the UK

DfT is seeking views on the most appropriate future regulatory framework to support the transition to zero emission heavy goods vehicles.

Opened 06/01/2026, closes 17/03/2026.

 

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

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

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

 

DfT – Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers

Seeks views on the proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers in Great Britain.

Opened 07/01/2026, closes 31/03/2026.

 

DfT – Mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval

Seeks views on proposals to incorporate a series of vehicle safety technologies into the GB type approval scheme.

Opened 07/01/2026, closes 31/03/2026.

 

DfT – Proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences

Seeks views on changes to current motoring offences and the potential introduction of other offences.

Opened 07/01/2026, closes 31/03/2026.

 

DVSA – Minimum learning period consultation

As part of the government’s Road Safety Strategy, the Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on introducing a three or six-month Minimum Learning Period (MLP) for learner drivers.

Opened 07/01/2026, closes 31/03/2026.

 

DfT – New HGV CO2 emissions regulatory framework for the UK

DfT is seeking views on the most appropriate future regulatory framework to support the transition to zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Opened 06/01/2026, closes 17/03/2026.

 

DfT – Reviewing the law for powered mobility devices

DfT is seeking views on changing the rules for using powered mobility devices, including powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, on public roads and pavements.

Opened 6/01/2026, closes 31/03/2026.

 

 

Consultations which closed in January 2026

 

Transport Scotland – Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Levels for Decriminalised Parking Enforcement

For enforcement to be effective, penalty charges for parking infringements need to be set at an appropriate level. Following on from a rise in the maximum level of charge in 2023, Transport Scotland committed to a further review in the coming years. This is why the Scottish Government sought views on proposals that relate to the Government’s existing guidance on penalty charge levels. Logistics UK responded to this consultation.

Opened 24/10/25, closed 30/01/2026.

 

 

DWP – Young People and Work Report: Call for Evidence

The call for evidence invited feedback to understand drivers of the increase in the number of young people who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET).

Opened 16/12/2025, closed 30/01/2026.

 

Transport Scotland – Draft Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2024 to 2028

A Transport Noise Action Plan is required, by The Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006, to be produced on a five yearly cycle, based on the results of the strategic noise maps.

Opened 17/12/2025, closed 30/01/2026.

 

DBT – Make Work Pay: draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots

DBT consulted on a draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots.

Opened 19/11/2025, closed 28/01/2026.

 

EA – Proposed best available techniques (BAT) implementation guidance for mid-merit gas generators

The Environment Agency wanted views on its  proposals to amend best available techniques implementation guidance for mid-merit gas generators.

Opened 03/11/2025, closed 25/01/2026.

 

CAA – CAP3195: Working Paper on regulatory models

The government’s ambition is for a third runway to be operational within a decade. For Heathrow to deliver a new runway within this timeframe, regulatory certainty is critical so Heathrow’s shareholders can provide this private investment to the UK’s hub airport at pace and scale.

Opened 25/11/2025, closed 20/01/2026.

 

DESNZ – UK ETS: Scope expansion – emissions from international maritime voyages consultation

How the UK intends to expand the UK ETS to include emissions from international maritime voyages in line with the Common Understanding of May 2025 and the delay to adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework.

Opened 26/11/2025, closed 20/01/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this consultation: The logistics sector is committed to reducing its emissions, but maritime presents specific challenges that must be carefully considered when expanding the scope of the UK ETS, particularly given the international nature of shipping.

Logistics UK continues to monitor progress at the International Maritime Organization and notes the importance of avoiding ‘double taxation’ of shipping emissions. Costs associated with emissions trading are largely passed through the supply chain, affecting UK importers, exporters and consumers. Alignment with the EU Emissions Trading System is essential to minimise administrative burden, reduce the risk of gaming or carbon leakage and provide certainty for industry. We encourage the UK ETS Authority to apply the principles of consistency, compatibility and proportionality when considering the proposals set out in this consultation. It is important that government publishes a robust impact assessment alongside these proposals and considers how revenues raised through the UK ETS can support maritime decarbonisation.

 

TfL – Oxford Street – proposals for transport and highway changes

TfL’s consultation on proposals for transport and highway changes for the pedestrianisation of the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.

Opened 21/11/2025, closed 16/01/2026.

 

DBT – British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: consultation on scheme eligibility and approach

DBT sought views on the proposed approach to the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) and how eligible businesses should be selected.

Opened 24/11/2025, closed 16/01/2026.

 

DBT – Make Work Pay: leave for bereavement including pregnancy loss

DBT sought views on the details of a new entitlement to bereavement leave, including for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

Opened 23/10/2025, closed 15/01/2026.

 

DBT – Make Work Pay: enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers

DBT sought views on enhancing workplace protections against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

Opened 23/10/2025, closed 15/01/2026.

 

DfE – Post-16 Level 3 and Below Pathways

This consultation document gathered views on the government’s proposals for the design

of the new pathways for 16 to 19-year-olds, including:

• A third, vocational pathway at level 3: creating V Level qualifications. V Levels will sit alongside A levels and T Levels and will offer a vocational alternative to these academic and technical routes.
• Two new pathways at level 2: simplifying the current offer and providing a clear line of sight to both further study at level 3 and skilled employment through the “Further Study pathway and Occupational pathway.

 

Opened 20/10/2025, closed 12/01/2026.

 

Logistics UK responded to this consultation: Logistics UK welcomes the review of post-16 pathways and supports reforms that create clear, sector-aligned routes into skilled employment. Logistics is a foundational and enabling sector for the UK economy, contributing £160 billion annually and employing over 2.7 million people, but is a sector that faces significant skills shortages. Government should ensure parity of esteem between technical and academic routes, supported by consistent national messaging and investment in careers awareness. Technical education should integrate sustainability and digital skills, supporting the UK’s net zero and productivity ambitions. Funding and delivery frameworks must support SMEs, which make up 99.7% of the logistics sector. Reforms should embed inclusive design and culture, widening access for people with protected characteristics, SEND learners, and those from disadvantaged or rural areas. Qualification design should remain employer-led, modular and flexible, enabling progression from entry level to higher technical qualifications and apprenticeships. Generation Logistics demonstrates best practice in employer-driven careers communication and should be embedded within the national information, advice and guidance (IAG) ecosystem. Logistics UK and its members stand ready to co-design and pilot qualifications with DWP, Skills England, DfE and awarding organisations.

 

 

Announcements, January 2026

 

29/01/2026 – DfT – Setting up a transport safety officers scheme

Explains how local transport authorities can set up and run a transport safety officers scheme to deal with antisocial behaviour on their networks.

 

29/01/2026 – DfT – Estimating carbon emissions from road users

A technical note reviewing different methods for estimating carbon emissions from road users.

 

28/01/2026 – NIO – Letter from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding Windsor Framework decision under Schedule 6B Northern Ireland Act 1998

The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has written to the Speaker of the NI Assembly.

 

28/01/2026 – DfT – Updating the Windsor Framework: joint committee decision

A new regulation will be added to the Windsor Framework for the use of non-road mobile machinery on roads in the EU.

 

27/01/2026 – DESNZ – Interministerial Group for Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Communiqué: 26 January 2026

A summary of the meeting held by the Interministerial Group for Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change.

 

27/01/2026 – DfT – The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026

This instrument amends existing legislation implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in the UK to include some amendments to the MLC.

 

26/01/2026 – HMRC – Register to use the Import Control System 2

The section ‘When to register’ has been removed, as this information is now out of date. Information on what to do if you use third-party software to submit your entry summary declarations has been added to the ‘Who should register’ section. More information on Presentation of Goods notifications has been added to the ‘After you register’ section.

 

22/01/2026 – HSE – Waste management and recycling

HSE has refreshed its guidance on the waste and recycling industry to make it easier to protect people and places in this sector.

Working in close consultation with the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH), HSE has:

• Removed outdated or duplicated information.
• Brought guidance up to date, so it reflects changes in the industry.
• Reduced the size of the site substantially, so it will be easier to find advice needed.

 

21/01/2026 – DfT – The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2026

This instrument amends existing legislation implementing the Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2026 in the UK to exempt industry from meeting certain safety requirements.

 

21/01/2026 – DVSA – Dangerous goods vehicles: get an MOT and ADR test

Updated to clarify that you need to wait for DVSA to confirm that your application has been accepted before you contact the MOT centre to book your test.

 

16/01/2026 – DfT – Transporting small mixed waste electrical equipment

How to transport electrical and electronic waste materials, such as small household appliances, IT equipment and power tools.

 

15/01/2026 – DfT – Carriage of dangerous goods annual audit template

Template that dangerous goods advisers can use to make their annual audit.

 

13/01/2026 – DfT – The Heavy Goods Vehicles (Charging for the Use of Certain Infrastructure on the Trans-European Road Network) (Revocation and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026

This instrument revokes certain regulations relating to tolls and road user charges for heavy goods vehicles in the UK.

 

13/01/2026 – DVSA – Dangerous goods safety adviser exams

Updated dangerous goods safety adviser exam syllabus with more detail on the exam topics.

 

08/01/2026 – DfT – New local powers to keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most

Local councils will be given the power to crack down on problem pavement parking.

 

06/01/2026 – DfT – Thousands of lives to be saved under bold new Road Safety Strategy

Government announces its first road safety strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.

 

06/01/2026 – DVSA – 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.

 

02/01/2026 – OTC – Richard Turfitt Awarded OBE for Services to Road Safety and Justice in New Year Honours

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain are delighted to acknowledge the appointment of Richard Turfitt as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours list, recognising his outstanding service to road safety and justice.

 

01/01/2026 – DfT – Remote delivery of dangerous goods driver training extension: authorisation 1013

Authorisation extended to 31 December 2026. Individual practical elements must be completed in person.