United Kingdom: Department for Transport adopted Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026

On 23 April 2026, the Department for Transport laid the Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026 before Parliament alongside the government response to the consultation. The consultation ran from 21 July to 28 September 2025 and received 169 responses. The Regulations will set a five-year maximum permit validity period, aligned with the maximum validity period for private hire vehicle operator licences. Initial pilot permits will be granted for shorter periods of approximately 12 to 18 months. A renewal window beginning 6 months before a permit's expiry date and ending 2 months before it will apply. Where renewal is applied for within the window and a decision is delayed, the permit will remain valid up to the five-year maximum. Fee powers under section 89(4) of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 will not be exercised at this stage. The Regulations will enable non-safety-related information, such as vehicle isolation points, to be shared with emergency responders. Safety drivers will be required to hold a taxi or private hire vehicle licence during the piloting period. The government also established the Automated Passenger Services Accessibility Advisory Panel, a non-statutory panel, and published 3 non-statutory guidance documents for applicants, local authorities and transport bodies, and first responders. The Regulations will enter into force on 15 May 2026.