British roads are entering a new era as 2026 brings stricter enforcement and smarter technology to keep everyone safer. Drivers face updated congestion charges, tougher safety checks, and penalties aimed at cutting accidents and emissions. These shifts focus on accountability, from digital paperwork to breathalyser limits, without overhauling the Highway Code overnight.
Congestion Charges Hit EVs
Electric vehicle owners can no longer glide through city centres for free. Starting early 2026, EVs must pay the Congestion Charge in London, matching rates for petrol and diesel cars at £15 daily, while vans face £18. This ends the exemption that encouraged green driving but strained urban budgets. Forgetful drivers risk automatic number plate recognition fines up to £130, doubled in some zones.
Fuel Duty Freeze Ends
Petrol and diesel pumps will sting more from late 2026 when the fuel duty freeze lifts. Expect a 5p per litre rise initially, pushing average fill-ups past £80 for family saloons. Company car taxes for EVs climb too, with Benefit-in-Kind rates jumping to 5% for pricier models over £40,000. Budget-savvy motorists should top up now and track Treasury announcements.
Road Safety Strategy Overhaul
The government’s fresh Road Safety Strategy targets killer habits head-on. Proposals include slashing the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood in England and Wales, matching Scotland’s standard. Convicted offenders might get alcolocks—devices that stop engines until a clean breath test. Harsher seatbelt fines now carry three penalty points plus £500 court costs, up from warnings.
| Change | Old Rule | New Rule (2026) | Fine/Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drink-Drive Limit | 80mg/100ml blood | 50mg/100ml (proposed) | £500+ + licence points |
| EV Congestion Charge | Exempt | £15/day cars, £18 vans | £130+ automatic |
| Seatbelt Non-Compliance | Fine only | 3 points + £500 | Court mandatory |
| Fuel Duty | Frozen | +5p/litre expected | N/A (pump price rise) |
| Over-70 Eye Tests | Self-declare | Mandatory checks | Licence suspension risk |
Eyesight and Age Checks Tighten
Drivers over 70 now face compulsory eyesight and cognitive tests at licence renewal, ending the honour system. Failures could mean surrendering keys, with clinics using advanced screens for night vision and reaction times. This responds to stats showing 20% higher crash risks for seniors, aiming to protect vulnerable road users without blanket bans.
Learner and MOT Crackdowns
Newbies must log a minimum learning period before tests, with instructors banned from booking practicals—learners handle it solo via apps. MOT rules bite harder too: expired tests trigger instant ANPR fines of £1,000, even for driveway drivers. Ghost plates—fake or tinted numbers dodging cameras—draw £1,000 spot fines plus vehicle clamps.
Cleaner Air Zones Expand
Cities like Bristol and Bradford ramp up Clean Air Zones, charging non-compliant diesels £9 daily. Idling engines in no-go spots net £120 tickets, enforced by AI cameras spotting phone use or lane drifts. Smart motorways add variable speed traps, with average fines at £100 plus three points for tailgating.
Theory Test Gets Real-World Twist
From mid-2026, theory exams add first-aid and CPR scenarios, testing hazard perception with VR clips. Pass rates might dip initially, delaying new licences by weeks. This builds on post-2025 digital shifts, ensuring drivers grasp real emergencies beyond multiple choice.
These changes push responsibility onto individuals, blending tech enforcement with practical safety nets. Organized drivers with app alerts stay ahead, while lapsed paperwork costs big. Roads should feel calmer as repeat offenders thin out.
FAQs
Q: Do EVs still avoid all city charges?
A: No, Congestion Charges apply from 2026.
Q: What’s the new drink-drive penalty?
A: Proposed drop to 50mg/100ml blood.
Q: Over-70s lose licences easily?
A: Only if eyesight tests fail.
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.