How new speed limit law change that will ‘change how we drive’ will work as Brits given one week warning
Here is exactly how the upcoming law that is expected to 'change the way we drive' is expected to work on UK roads.
Earlier this week, it was announced that all cars created in the European Union will be automatically fitted with mandatory Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA).
The law is set to come into force on 7 July, meaning that all new cars purchased from that date will come with a speed limiter automatically fitted.
As for anyone wondering why EU laws will be impacting the UK, most of our cars are still manufactured over on the continent and will follow the new guidelines.
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Furthermore, the UK has maintained many EU laws for new cars since Brexit, meaning that all new vehicles in the country will be subject to these rules as well.
What does the law change mean for UK drivers?
Unsurprisingly this new law is likely to be an unpopular one.
According to Government research, around 45 percent of people speed on motorways, a figure which rises to 50 percent on 30mph roads.
Furthermore, the popular 10 percent myth often touted by British drivers means that pretty much all of us have driven over the speed limit at one point.
However, experts insist the change will help reduce the number of traffic collisions on UK roads.
How will speed limiters work?
According to WeBuyAnyCar, the new speed limiters will use either a ISA system - which relies on cameras to detect traffic signs - or GPS technology - which works by combining information on the driver's location with the local speed limit.
Some systems will even use both methods.
When it comes to methods in which your car will prohibit you from speeding, the speed limiters can work in one of three ways: advisory, supportive or intervening.
- An advisory ISA will present drivers with a warning symbol if they exceed the speed limit.
- A supportive system will increase upward pressure on the accelerator pedal, making it harder to increase your speed.
- The most extensive of the three is a mandatory speed assist, which will reduce engine power if you are speeding, allowing for a gradual reduction in speed.
Can you turn off a speed limiter?
Likely to be the question on everyone's lips - yes, it is possible to deactivate a mandatory speed limiter, however it will reset each time you restart your car.
It's also possible to override the system by stamping down on the accelerator (which is still illegal).
If the threat of breaking the law doesn't deter you, it's worth noting that some ISA systems will also be fitted with Data Loggers.
Should you end up in an accident, the data would be retrieved and used by insurers to work out how you were driving at the time of the incident. They can also be used for prosecution.
Brenna Cooper