A coalition of the UK’s leading transport solution providers and data consumers has today sent an open letter to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Future of Roads), Lilian Greenwood MP, urging the government to set a firm deadline for the nationwide implementation of Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (DTROs). The group warns that the current ambiguity is “paralysing local authority action” and jeopardising the UK’s leadership position in the connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) sector.
The letter, spearheaded by Dan Hubert, CEO of AppyWay, and co-signed by influential organisations including Intelligent Transport Systems UK, TRL, RAC Foundation, and Motability Operations, stresses that DTROs are the “fundamental foundational layer” required for CAVs to operate safely and legally on UK roads.
Without a digital, machine-readable format for traffic regulations, which govern everything from speed limits to parking restrictions, autonomous vehicles will be unable to interpret and comply with the rules of the road. The coalition argues that while the industry is ready to deliver the necessary technology, progress is stalled as local authorities await a clear mandate from the Department for Transport.
“What was initially expected in July 2025, then suggested for October, is now drifting toward 2026 with no confirmed date in sight,” said Dan Hubert, CEO of AppyWay. “This ambiguity is costing UK plc millions a day in lost productivity. If the UK is to hit the ground running and lead in CAV innovation, the Department must urgently set and publish a firm DTRO adoption deadline. The Industry is aligned and ready to deliver, but cannot do so in a vacuum of certainty.”
The letter highlights the immediate and wide-ranging benefits of implementing DTROs beyond autonomous vehicles, including:
● Accelerating Strategic Initiatives: Speeding up the rollout of on-street EV charge points and shared mobility services, and improving kerbside accessibility for 2.35 million Blue Badge holders.
● Improving Traffic Management: Enabling real-time, data-driven responses to traffic conditions to reduce congestion and emissions.
● Increasing Public Value: Reducing the administrative burden on local authorities and maximising the return on investment for other government transport initiatives like the National Parking Platform.
The coalition asserts that by prioritising the digital infrastructure, the UK can gain a strategic advantage over other nations that are focused primarily on vehicle technology.
“This is a strategic moment for UK transport,” the letter states. “While other countries focus on vehicles, the UK can lead by embedding the infrastructure that makes autonomy safe, legal, and scalable. We urge you to confirm and publish a DTRO deadline as a matter of priority. This single step will unlock nationwide momentum and ensure your Department’s CAV ambitions start with the digital infrastructure they require.”
The full list of signatories includes AppyWay, Intelligent Transport Systems UK, Symology, TRL, Disabled Motoring UK, Arrive, grid, RAC Foundation, and Motability Operations.
(Pic: AppyWay)
