Yahoo News Every new UK car to be fitted with speed limiter - what it means for drivers
A new driving law will see cars fitted with speed limiters from July 2024. The law will see Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology introduced.
ISA caps a vehicle's velocity at the national speed limit of 70mph. The measures will "tighten" controls on drivers and disrupt the way we traditionally use the roads, according to UK-based firm Motor Match.
Its spokesperson said: "The new rules, set to take effect in July, introduce 'mandatory' speed limiters, changing how we drive on roads."
According to the forthcoming law, all cars in showrooms from July 2024 must have ISA technology. This innovative piece of tech will essentially force drivers to adhere to speed limits automatically.
For example, ISA would cap the vehicle's velocity at the national speed limit of 70mph. The spokesperson also provided context by stating: "It's important to note that while speed limiters are already present in many cars, the upcoming regulations tighten control," reports Birmingham Live.
Elaborating further, they emphasised how essential these changes were for road safety: "Showing support for the introduction of mandatory speed limiters is key in supporting safer roads." Concluding with some sobering stats, they remarked: "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 per cent of deaths.
"Speed limits are set for a reason, and it's illegal to ignore them." This new regulation also applies to vehicles that have already been manufactured but not yet sold, meaning existing models in showrooms will need retrofitting to comply.
The rule comes into effect from July 7. While drivers can deactivate the limiters, they'll be immediately reactivated upon re-entering the vehicle, motorists have been warned to brace themselves for this change. The law stipulates that it applies to all cars sold in Europe, not just those in EU member states, so it remains applicable to the UK.
