Cars sold in the UK are set to be retrofitted with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) from Sunday, July 7, after a shift in EU driving laws. Dealerships will start retrofitting cars this week
Drivers are being warned they could face more fines and points on their licences due to new ‘mandatory’ speed limiters.
UK dealerships will start retrofitting cars with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) from Sunday, July 7, following changes in EU driving regulations. Despite Brexit, the UK is still affected because vehicles manufactured in Europe won’t have the ISA technology removed before being shipped to the UK. This means that British motorists could be influenced by the EU’s stricter rules.
ISA operates in three modes, utilising satellite and GPS data to control vehicle speed. The most advanced version of ISA can reduce speed by cutting fuel injection. Another mode applies pressure to the accelerator pedal, which drivers can override, while the simplest version issues an audible alert or flashes a warning on the dashboard, reports Birmingham Live.
Motor Match experts believe that ISA could help curb speeding, potentially saving drivers from penalties and points on their licences. They commented: “The new rules, set to take effect in July, introduce ‘mandatory’ speed limiters, changing how we drive on roads.”
“These Intelligent Speed Assistance systems will become standard, forcing drivers to stick to speed limits automatically. For instance, ISA technology would limit you to a maximum of 70 mph as this is the national speed limit. It’s important to note that while speed limiters are already present in many cars, the upcoming regulations tighten control.
“The new Intelligent Speed Assistance systems not only prevent speeding fines and contribute to fuel savings but also significantly reduce the risk of penalties. The minimum penalty for speeding currently includes a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
“With ISA technology, the likelihood of accumulating penalty points, and the risk of being disqualified from driving for gathering 12 or more points within three years, is greatly reduced. This technology could lead to a drastic change in road safety, fostering a more controlled driving environment where speed limits are adhered to, thus reducing accidents significantly.
“Showing support for the introduction of mandatory speed limiters is key in supporting safer roads. Last year, police records showed that exceeding the speed limit was a contributory factor in 20 per cent of deaths on the road.
“Furthermore, travelling too fast or exceeding the speed limit contributed to 25% of deaths. Speed limits are set for a reason, and it’s illegal to ignore them. Despite this, 5,171 accidents in 2022 were caused by drivers and riders exceeding the speed limit – a 5.1 per cent increase year on year.”
