What is a Speed Limiter and How Does It Affect Your Car?
When it comes to motoring laws, changes in the EU often have a knock-on effect here in the UK. One of the biggest shifts was the introduction of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) – commonly called speed limiters.
From July 2024, all new cars sold in the EU have had ISA technology fitted as standard. The UK isn’t legally bound to follow post-Brexit, but because manufacturers don’t build separate cars for the UK, the same rules effectively apply here too.
How Speed Limiters Work
Speed limiters (ISA) monitor the road’s speed limit using GPS and/or a forward-facing camera. If you exceed the limit, the system kicks in:
- Warning sounds or dashboard alerts
- Pressure against the accelerator to discourage speeding
- Engine power is restricted to prevent excess speed
You can still override the system by pressing hard on the accelerator, but it will reactivate the next time you start the car.
Why Were They Introduced
According to the European Transport Safety Council, ISA could reduce collisions by around 30% and save up to 140,000 lives by 2038. It’s a safety measure aimed at reducing accidents caused by excess speed.
The UK Position
Even though the UK isn’t obliged to follow EU law, the Vehicle Certification Agency has aligned with the EU framework. This means all new cars registered in the UK now come with ISA technology by default.
Benefits and Concerns
Benefits:
- Fewer accidents caused by speeding
- Lower insurance claims and potentially cheaper premiums
- Safer roads for drivers and pedestrians
Concerns:
- Technology can misread temporary or unclear speed signs
- Some drivers feel it reduces autonomy and enjoyment
- Debate over whether insurers will use ISA data in claims
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve welcome the change or not, speed limiters are here to stay. They’re now part of new car technology across Europe and the UK.
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