The European Parliament approved the use of mandatory speed limiters on all new cars in 2019. These speed limiters, known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), will use GPS data and traffic sign recognition cameras to determine the speed limit of the road a vehicle is on. The engine power will then be limited to match this speed limit, preventing the car from exceeding it. While the UK is no longer in the EU, it is likely that UK cars will also receive this technology.
If a driver tries to override the system by pushing harder on the throttle, the system will sound an audible warning and display a visual warning until the vehicle is back at or below the speed limit. The European Transport and Safety Council (ETSC) states that the system will reduce collisions by 30% and save 25,000 lives within 15 years of being introduced.
These speed limiters will be required on all new cars sold from July 7, 2024, and even unsold showroom cars will need to be retrofitted with the technology after that date. The UK’s Department for Transport expects the limiters to provide feedback to drivers when the speed limit is exceeded rather than limiting the speed by reducing engine power.
The new safety features, including speed limiters, data loggers, autonomous emergency braking systems, lane keep assist, and driver fatigue detection systems, are aimed at reducing traffic collisions and saving lives on UK roads. While the system will come with an on/off switch initially to aid public acceptance, there may be a push for stricter rules in the future, potentially leading to a permanent system.
Overall, the introduction of mandatory speed limiters is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. It is important for drivers to understand how these systems work and the potential benefits they can bring in terms of saving lives and preventing collisions on the road.