Member

I also take this opportunity to reassure noble Lords that road safety is of the utmost priority to this Government. During the public consultation on these proposals held in 2022, some respondents raised safety concerns. These concerns relate to the removal of the training and weight of the vehicle, which could increase the likelihood or severity of incidents respectively. Following a detailed analysis, the Government are confident that these regulations pose a low risk to road safety. In total, across the years 2020 to 2023, there were nine collisions involving such vehicles, six of which were minor. We will, however, be closely monitoring incident data as it becomes available to protect the safety of all road users. In the unlikely event that a concerning trend emerges, swift action will be taken to protect the public. The department will publish detailed guidance on the safe operation of these vehicles, which we are working with industry to disseminate.