New rule changes which could see motorists forced to use speed limiter technology from this summer have been blasted by road users as “controlling”.
A new European Union rule will mandate the installation of Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology in new vehicles from July 6.
Although the UK is not legally bound by the changes due to leaving the EU, UK manufacturers may follow suit to maintain similar manufacturing standards.
Officials at the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) claim the move could boost road safety by reducing accidents on roads across the continent.
But motorists have pushed back against the dramatic update, calling out “safety fanatics” for the bonkers plan.
Express reader @BiRo added: “My speed limiter is fitted to the bottom of my right leg and has proved 100 percent reliable over 60 years and a million miles of motoring.”
@Skyline commented: “Next it will be the Government restricting how far you can travel and when you can use your car, and if you don’t conform we will switch it off, just more control over our lives.”
@forshplan remarked: “It’s not the car causing accidents, it’s the thoughtless, irresponsible drivers. For goodness sake, won’t these car safety fanatics think sensibly.”
ISA tools use GPS data and cameras located inside the vehicle to quickly identify local speed limits.
These are then programmed into the vehicle which will compare this against the car’s current speedometer.
If motorists are over the limit, the tool is designed to limit engine power to prevent a vehicle from accelerating further.
However, ISA tools will not automatically apply the brake pads and suddenly decelerate the car.
Some have backed the move, with one Express reader suggesting the technology could help road users dodge speeding tickets.
@hartlepooldave wrote: “My car already has ‘intelligent speed limiter’ and works a treat. If you want to avoid a speeding ticket around town simply turn it on, car reads speed limit signs and adjusts limiter as you go.”
Meanwhile, Dr David Hynd, chief scientist at Transport Research Laboratory, also threw his support behind the tool.
He said: “It stops me getting speeding fines. It saves me money on my fuel bill, which is always very welcome.
“But, best of all, it provides an extra set of eyes, which I find particularly helpful when I’m navigating new places, or the roads are busy.”
