'Mandatory' speed limiters from July as drivers face new driving law changes

From July, drivers could be required to have 'mandatory' speed limiters installed in their vehicles as part of new driving law changes. The introduction of mandatory intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems is set to automatically reduce a vehicle's speed if it exceeds the limit.

This rule change will take effect from July 6, making the safety feature compulsory for all cars. The new regulations, which apply to both the European Union and Northern Ireland, dictate that all cars sold in the UK must come equipped with ISA, irrespective of the manufacturing location.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has issued a stark warning to motorists who might consider tampering with the system to prevent the ISA from activating. The implementation of speed limiters has received a positive reception from both drivers and road safety experts.

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However, Graham cautions against attempts to disable the ISA, stating: "While it might seem like an innocent change to the car's set-up, doing so could have serious implications." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox.

He further explained: "A car is fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like ISA for a very good reason, and a manufacturer could take a very dim view of that technology being bypassed. You could very easily void a manufacturer's warranty by doing so.", reports Birmingham Live.

Dr David Hynd, chief scientist at Transport Research Laboratory, remarked: "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."

"ISA gives me head space and that makes me a better driver. On a motorway, I use ISA in conjunction with cruise control, and have been pleasantly surprised by how much less tired I am after a long journey when using this system."

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has previously suggested that the introduction of new ISA technology could lead to a 30% reduction in crashes. Mike Hawes, president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), commented: "Some manufacturers have already been offering these technologies to consumers ahead of any regulations, including Intelligent Speed Assistance, and will continue to do so across the UK."

"With the heavily integrated nature of the UK and European automotive sectors, regulatory divergence is not advantageous for either party."

The Department for Transport has stated that it continually reviews policies to aid in casualty reduction and has commissioned research to assess the benefits and implications of these technologies in Great Britain, promising updates when appropriate.

Any move to make some or all of these new technologies compulsory would necessitate consultation and changes to the GB type approval scheme through legislation.

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