Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Will she hold discussions with motor manufacturers regarding offering an opt in and an opt out facility for drivers with the 'lane assist' technology system in new vehicles.

An Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS) is a technology that warns the driver of unintended lane departures and corrects the vehicle’s course to avoid crossing solid lane markings. As with other safety systems, it defaults to being on every time the vehicle is started. This ensures safety benefits are not undermined by drivers having the systems permanently switched off, either deliberately or accidentally. However, there is typically a simple method for the driver to switch it off each time, should they wish to.

The Government recently consulted on mandating ELKS in Great Britain alongside a number of other vehicle safety technologies as part of the Road Safety Strategy. This consultation closed on 11 May 2026 and my Department will be setting out next steps in due course.