First speed limiter for London bus

Technology that prevents vehicles from breaking the speed limit is to be fitted to a taxi and a bus in London as part of a six-month trial.

Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) works in much the same way as the GPS systems now fitted to many cars. The technology uses a digital map in order to determine the local speed limit and then either simply warns the driver about the speed limit or intervenes to automatically slow down the vehicle if it exceeds the limit.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The theory is that it doesn’t need too many vehicles fitted with ISA before everyone is forced to drive within the speed limit.”

It is hoped that use of speed limiters would reduce roads casualties and emissions as well as car insurance premiums.

Speed limiters for safer roads

Up to 29 per cent of injuries on British roads could be prevented through the voluntary use of automatic speed limiters in cars, according to the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT).

The technology could be offered for sale next year to private motorists.

Critics say the device risks reducing driver responsibility, but the ETA is a founder member of the Slower Speeds Initiative and has long held that all vehicles should have variable speed limiters fitted as standard by law. Its spokesperson said: “This system is intended to be voluntary – many drivers would welcome a reminder that they had entered a 20mph limit surrounding a school.”

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides motorist breakdown cover and cyclist insurance products. ETA also campaigns for sustainable transport – when you use our services you help fund our charitable work.