Driving law changes could see EU speed limiters installed in cars to 'tighten control' on motorists

Speed cameras
Experts hope the ISA technology will crack down on the number of accidents and speeding fines
PA
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 05/05/2024

- 08:00

Updated: 08/05/2024

- 22:18

The new rules are expected to launch in July

Experts are warning of the impact drivers will face in the coming months after new vehicle laws are introduced to crack down on motorists speeding on roads.

From July 2024, all vehicles in showrooms in the European Union and Northern Ireland will need to come equipped with Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology to crack down on people breaking speed limits.


This will work by using sensors, cameras and software to determine whether the vehicle is speeding based on local speed limits for whatever road they may be on.

While this is a European Union directive, most experts assume the rules will be accepted by the UK Government, despite the impact of Brexit. The Government will need to consult on any changes if the speed limiter changes were to be introduced.

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The majority of road safety and vehicle rules are accepted by both sides to ensure that the safety of the driver remains the priority and that exports between the UK and EU are easy to process.

A spokesperson for Motor Match said the new driving laws would have a dramatic impact on road users and how people navigate the streets.

They added: "The new rules, set to take effect in July, introduce 'mandatory' speed limiters, changing how we drive on roads.

"These Intelligent Speed Assistance systems will become standard, forcing drivers to stick to speed limits automatically. For instance, ISA technology would limit you to a maximum of 70mph as this is the national speed limit.

Speed limiters

While they are EU directives, it is expected that the UK will follow suit

GETTY

"It's important to note that while speed limiters are already present in many cars, the upcoming regulations tighten control."

They backed the use of ISA technology to prevent speeding fines and boost fuel savings while significantly reducing the risk of penalties.

At present, the minimum fine for speeding that a driver can receive is a £100 fine, in addition to three penalty points on their licence.

People can be disqualified from driving if they accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three year period, with motorists able to see their licence record on the DVLA website.

The spokesperson also noted the likelihood that drivers would not receive as many points on their licence and fines given the ISA technology blocking them from going over the limit deliberately.

Experts have also pointed out that the law changes could have an enormous impact on the future of road safety and significantly reduce the number of accidents.

Previous rules outlined that ISA technology should apply to all new models launched from July 6, 2022, onwards.

The spokesperson continued, saying: "Showing support for the introduction of mandatory speed limiters is key in supporting safer roads.

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"Last year, police records showed that exceeding the speed limit was a contributory factor in 20 per cent of deaths on the road. Furthermore, travelling too fast or exceeding the speed limit contributed to 25 per cent of deaths.

"Speed limits are set for a reason, and it’s illegal to ignore them."

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