This year, UK roads are set for some of the most significant changes in recent years, with new rules, taxes, and standards affecting almost every type of driver. The shift towards cleaner transport will be accelerated by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate which since January has required that 22% of all new cars and 10% of new vans sold are fully electric. This move is part of a wider effort to cut emissions but is also accompanied by changes that will make owning an electric vehicle more costly. Since April electric cars have no longer been exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty – paying £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter. Those priced over £40,000 will also incur the expensive car supplement, adding £410 a year for five years.

Electric vehicle drivers will also lose another long-standing benefit at the end of the year. From December, London’s congestion charge will apply to all vehicles, regardless of whether they are petrol, diesel, electric or hydrogen-powered. This change will mark the end of free access for low and zero-emission vehicles in the capital, bringing them in line with conventional cars. However, steps are being taken to improve the charging experience. From next year, public charge points must meet new standards for reliability, accessibility, and ease of payment, with penalties of up to £10,000 per charger for those failing to comply.

Company car drivers will also feel the impact of changes. In April Benefit-in-Kind tax rates increased by 1% across the board. For electric vehicles, the rate rose from 2% to 3%, with higher increases applying to vehicles with greater emissions. Meanwhile, by the end of the year, the introduction of the Fuel Finder scheme will require all UK fuel stations to share live pricing data, allowing drivers to compare costs before filling up.

Safety is another focus for 2025. All new cars will be expected to include advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane-keeping and autonomous emergency braking, to help reduce collisions. Since May, heavy goods vehicles in London have needed to hold a safety permit under the Direct Vision Standard. This system measures how much the driver can see from the cab and may require the installation of cameras or sensors to improve visibility for vulnerable road users. Scotland, meanwhile, will introduce a default 20 mph speed limit in built-up areas to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

For commercial operators, tachograph rules are tightening, requiring the latest “smart” devices capable of recording additional journey and loading data. Across the UK, the changes signal a shift towards more regulated, transparent, and safety-focused road use, while also encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicles.

For drivers, the coming year will mean adjusting to higher costs for electric vehicles, new compliance requirements for heavy goods and commercial operators, and wider safety measures affecting all road users. While some of these updates may feel like added pressure, they also reflect a long-term commitment to improving air quality, reducing accidents, and making transport more efficient. By the end of 2025, UK roads will certainly look different.