Mandatory Speed Limiters Are Coming
The European Union has provisionally approved new laws that would make active speed limiters compulsory in all new cars.
The limiters would use GPS data and road sign-reading cameras to determine what the limit is at any given time, cutting engine power when you stray over the limit. Rather patronisingly named ‘intelligent speed assistance’ (ISA), it’s one of a raft of electronic systems that will be made compulsory on all new cars across the EU.
At this stage the general understanding is that the limiters can be overridden with either a button or a hard press of the throttle, but what is clear is that the system will always default to its on and fully active state when you start the car.
Pending approval by the European Parliament and EU member states, expected to be a formality as the bloc’s politicians make a special effort to show unity as Brexit rumbles on, ISA will be introduced on all-new cars from 2022, with pre-existing models forced to comply by 2024, for example during their mid-life updates. Cars sold before this date won’t be legally required to feature the technology.
Among the other systems slated for universal introduction at that time are autonomous emergency braking, which is already common but will become compulsory. Lane departure warnings, driver drowsiness warnings, driver distraction warnings, an accident data recorder (or ‘black box’) and a dedicated ‘emergency stop’ braking signal will also be required.
The regulations even specify that cars must have the facility to install an ‘alcohol interlock,’ so a breathalyser can be installed and linked to the immobiliser, in theory preventing drunk-driving. Weirdly, the final mandated technology is reversing sensors or a rear-view camera, because apparently no one can be trusted to reverse a car using their eyes any more.
Whether or not the UK leaves the EU in the coming weeks, the technology is likely to be put into practice here as well. Few politicians would have the will to argue for civil liberties over black and white safety.
Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham, has previously called the legislation “great news for road safety.” He continued: “It’s encouraging that a lot of the safety technologies proposed are already fitted as standard on many new cars. In fact, it’s now impossible to get a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating without AEB fitted as standard.”
Comments
Just glad that there are never bugs whatsoever, or that every „connected“ technology can‘t be manipulated in any way. What could possibly go wrong? As if every citizen would be to dumb to drive, who the f*ck asked for this kind of „assistence“?
It’s a good idea for new drivers and the elderly
But not for anyone else tbh
In this case you don’t have to worry too much about bugs, this isn’t new tech. My radar detector shows me speed limit on a given stretch of road based on GPS data, as does Google Maps and Waze.
Well RIP, good thing i live on the other side of the pond
Another reason why America is the best country on earth lmao
Sadly I think this will make it here as well, even if not mandated by government. For one it’s significantly easier and cheaper to build one model for all markets (or as close as practical). For two there is a good chance that once pervasive enough insurance companies would jack up the rates on cars not so equipped.
But still what if that shit comes to the US?
Makes me happy i can’t afford a new car!
Ah, FD owner.. I know this feeling lol
Maybe Brexit isn’t all that bad…?
Step 1: Cut the cables going to the sign cameras
Step 2: Drill a hole in the processor of the GPS
Step 3: Enjoy unlimited speed.
Step 1 (Mind blown): Keep current car
Rip EU good I’m in USA (I feel we will eventually do the same sadly)
It’s never been a better time to be an ECU tuner
if they make this thing mandatory by law ,they will make it illegal to change or tune the ECU !
also this is a way to force people in to shit EV’s !
like how Microsoft update people from win 7/8 to windows 10 without asking
only way i think you can stop this is to damage some components so that this would stop working
(like rubbing some lime on the GPS module)
then play the “i don’t know “ card !
Every major custom ECU company right now
How am I the only one not bothered by this? Let’s be honest we could all do with more road safety, and if it can be over-ridden then that should shut everyone else up. You all act like you don’t drive within the law/speed limit 99% of the time, despite the fact you probably do and therefore the effect on you will be negligible. Yet of course you’re still going to get salty about it. Grow up!
That’s true
bUt iT rEsTrIcTs tHe FuN (because apparently you can’t have fun at 30 mph)
Truth is i DON’T do the speed limit 99% of the time. I barely do it 20% of the time. A 70mph speed limit on the interstate is impractical and time consuming, so the left lane is always doing 80-90mph and the right lane does whatever it wants. It helps traffic move faster and lane hogs are never welcome, as soon as you realise the guy behind you is gunning it move over. It also helps combat cops because of the flow of traffic rule. He’s less likely to pursure if 30+ cars are doing 80mph and up bumper to bumper. The back road speed limits are never obeyed unless someone flashes that there is a cop. Just stay within 20mph over is the only rule, so if you see 55 dont go over 75mph. The usual school zones, playgrounds and hospital areas apply, dont be an ass go slow there. Highways slow down on obstructions, dont be an ass follow the leader’s brakelights and trucks are mandated to move over whenever something is in the emergency lane or for on ramps so let them in. I’d never get anywhere doing the speed limit.
Either way now that you know how people in Louisiana drive, i must say it doesnt bother me if it can be completely overridden and not just a soft override where it only lets you speed “to a point”. We highway hooligans can still get to work and home as fast as we want to, but what does bother me is that black box. I wonder how long it keeps your info for. THAT is the real problem, i dont want to get backed into by a prius only for my insurance to go through it and see that i was doing triple figures down I-10 every morning that week. Terrifying
It’s about the freedom to be able to drive like we want to when we want to.
Retard left wing biggot.
We can do with safety, but road death rate in europe is not that high. There are other thigs that cause much more deaths. Yet they spend sooo much money on trying to reduce the small percentage of road deaths and not nearly as much on other things.
So the main goal here is definitely not safety.
Personally, I don’t see much problem in the context of city and surburban streets.
The highways on the other hand…