Driving law changes needed to address 'a number of challenges' including speed limiters and car thefts
Experts have called for new law changes to help drivers deal with the cost of motoring
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Experts have called on the Government to introduce a handful of new changes to ensure that the British automotive sector can continue to thrive.
With the new Labour Government, industry experts and drivers are hoping that the automotive sector will continue to develop to become more sustainable, as well as address the cost of motoring.
Thatcham Research has set out seven key areas that the Government should address, including factors that cover vehicle repairs, safety concerns and car security.
As part of this, it is demanding an urgent increase of trained technicians who can accommodate repairs for electric cars to ensure the uptake of EVs remains stable.
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New EU speed limiters came into effect across Europe on July 6
GETTYThis will require skilled engineers and data analysts to work with vehicle manufacturers to ensure that EVs are easier to repair, further slashing running costs.
The Labour Government previously confirmed that it would introduce measures that would see all electric car batteries equipped with a "passport", allowing motorists purchasing second-hand vehicles to know the health of the battery.
This would work alongside the concerted effort to address the skills shortage, with the Government collaborating with Skills England and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to offer more opportunities to young people.
Thatcham has also highlighted the safe adoption of automated vehicles as a way in which road safety can be improved to address the 30,000 people killed or seriously injured on UK roads each year.
This would be aided by the UK adopting the European Union's General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) which would see all new vehicles have several pieces of technology included in new vehicles like speed limiters.
Jonathan Hewett, chief executive at Thatcham Research, said the UK automotive scene faced a "number of challenges" that must be resolved to ensure the UK can manage a sustainable future.
He added: “This includes high rates of car insurance, the sustainable adoption of automated and electric vehicles onto our roads, and stubbornly high numbers of road deaths.
“Thatcham Research is calling on the new Government to address seven key issues which range from the ongoing auto repair skills crisis to vehicle theft.
“We stand ready to support the Government in providing solutions to these issues, utilising more than 55 years of automotive risk intelligence to turn challenges into opportunities.”
Vehicle crime has risen dramatically in recent years as drivers battle against criminals targeting keyless cars with simple relay devices and stealing them without drivers knowing.
Some manufacturers have attempted to address the concerns, but have generally failed to clamp down on thieves targeting higher-end vehicles.
Thatcham Research stated that it welcomed previous Government-proposed penalties on the sale and possession of theft devices, steps "must be taken" to disrupt organised crime gangs.
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Around 400 vehicles were stolen around the UK every day last year
GETTYThe organisation added: "Dynamic responses from manufacturers to emerging vulnerabilities are a vital aspect of mitigating theft risk, however, the focus should also be on addressing the root cause of vehicle theft.
"Thatcham Research is investigating theft pathways within the UK which could help Government in identifying gang methodologies and approaches."