A driving expert has shed light on the mandatory speed technology now equipped in all new cars. With new car registrations underway, motorists need to be aware of the compulsory speed limiters in new vehicles. These limiters, known as Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), are now a legal requirement in cars manufactured in the EU, many of which end up on UK roads due to imports.
Chris Adams, Group Operations Director at Brindley Group, explained the functionality of these limiters. The ISA uses GPS to detect the speed limit on the road and automatically applies a limit without requiring manual input. There are four strategies through which manufacturers can regulate speed – a gradual pushback on the accelerator pedal, automatic reduction of engine power, visual and audio warnings for surpassing the limit, and additional cues if the warnings are disregarded.
Although drivers can deactivate the ISA manually, it reactivates each time the car is started, akin to Start-Stop technology. The aim behind this legislation is to enhance road safety, with the EU estimating a 20% decrease in road fatalities due to ISA technology, contributing to their goal of zero road deaths by 2050. Additionally, the ISA is anticipated to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower the likelihood of receiving speeding fines.
While the law allows drivers to switch off the ISA, the automatic reactivation feature encourages compliance with the speed limits. By prioritising safety and efficiency, the implementation of ISA technology aligns with broader road safety objectives while offering environmental and economic benefits.