The car computer that makes speeding history
By Paul Sims
Last updated at 2:35 AM on 11th May 2009
A sophisticated in-car computer could soon make it impossible for motorists to speed.
The system detects the speed limit and automatically slows the car if it is being driven too quickly.
It pinpoints a vehicle's exact location via satellite and accesses a database of every road's speed limit to determine how fast the vehicle should be travelling.
The Intelligent Speed Adaption system will be unveiled today as part of the largest-ever pilot of its kind.
It is seen as a blueprint for a nationwide scheme which could add around £500 to the cost of a car.
But critics last night claimed that it was further evidence of state interference.
They say it undermines motorists' freedom and claim it could hinder, rather than aid, road safety.
The trial is being carried out by Transport for London (TfL) which runs buses, trains, the Underground and major roads in the capital.
TfL - which reports to London Mayor Boris Johnson - says its specially-equipped fleet including cars, a bus and a black cab, will take to the roads this summer.
During a six-month trial they will evaluate the technology's impact on road safety and congestion.
TfL believes it could cut accidents by around 10 per cent.
Currently the computer is programmed with the speed limits on every road within the M25.
The Government plans to order a nationwide map. The system offers the driver two modes - voluntary and advisory - as well as an override button.
In advisory mode the screen displays the speed limit and a face that smiles if the driver sticks to the limit and frowns if they go too fast.
It is the voluntary mode, however, that safety campaigners hope will one day become mandatory.
When vehicles reach the speed limit the accelerator is prevented from speeding up the car, no matter how far it is depressed. The system does not affect the brakes. If an ISA-equipped car is driven from a 40mph to a 30mph or 20mph zone it is automatically and gradually slowed down.
'This innovative technology could help any driver avoid the unnecessary penalties of creeping over the speed limit and at the same time will save lives,' said Chris Lines, head of TfL's road safety unit.
However, Andrew Howard, the AA's head of road safety, said: 'Drivers are divided in their views of ISA; some hate it, some want it. Many have questions that will be answered only by trials like those being carried out by TfL.'
Paul Biggs, of the Association of British Drivers, believes the system 'will stop drivers thinking'.
One local authority has already said it wants to place an order for 300 ISA units - which costs £400,000 to develop - for its own fleet.
They were made by the British division of Technolution, a Dutch firm, with funding from TfL.
TFL will reveal its findings in a report next year.
It is the voluntary mode, however, that safety campaigners hope will one day become mandatory.
That’s the crux of it! Let’s give them an alternative for now just to keep them sweet, full control to follow later. NO! compromises, we should be telling them to stuff it!
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out for a drive in central London and got loads of abuse from other road users for going so slowly....
