Owners of some high-end electric and hybrid vehicles are facing a potentially hazardous issue with their cars' onboard technology, which is incorrectly advising them to drive at extremely high speeds in low-limit zones, including areas near schools.
How the Technology is Failing
The problem centres on the traffic sign recognition (TSR) system, a feature that uses cameras to read roadside signs and provides drivers with audio and visual cues about the current speed limit. This technology is standard on models like the £55,000 Mazda CX-60 and the £37,000 Volvo XC40.
However, online owner forums are filled with complaints that the systems are consistently misreading signs. The faulty technology has been triggering alarms, warning drivers they are in non-existent 80mph, 90mph, and even 100mph zones on British roads.
One driver reported being told he could legally do 80mph in a Sainsbury's car park. Another stated the glitch causes 'mayhem' around schools, while a third commented: ‘So far it has read ten as 70, 19 as 90 and 30 as 80. It’s really dangerous.’
The Real-World Dangers of Faulty Alerts
While drivers can choose to ignore these incorrect warnings, the danger escalates in vehicles where the TSR system is linked to adaptive cruise control. In these cases, the car can automatically accelerate or brake to match the speed limit it has incorrectly identified.
This creates a severe safety risk, particularly in high-performance vehicles. For example, the £96,000 Porsche Macan Turbo, capable of going from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, could theoretically surge to an illegal and dangerous speed based on a faulty reading.
Helen, a Macan owner, posted online about her experience: ‘The speed sign recognition has never worked effectively (or safely)... so I’ve had to turn the function off. The last time I tried it, the car abruptly changed from 70mph to 5mph when it incorrectly read a 50mph sign.’
Driver Experiences and Manufacturer Responses
Richard Wright, 45, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, a Mazda CX-60 owner, told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s constantly flashing up warnings that you should be doing 80mph in a 30mph, or to slow to 5mph in a 50mph zone. It is a real issue.’
When confronted with the problem, the manufacturers' responses varied. Mazda UK confirmed it is investigating the issue but emphasised that it remains the driver's responsibility to monitor road signs. Porsche suggested that dirty or unclear traffic signs can confuse its system but announced that Macan owners would soon receive a free software update to address the concerns. Volvo offered no official comment on the reports.
This situation highlights the potential pitfalls of over-relying on driver-assistance technology and underscores the critical need for robust software and consistent accuracy in vehicle safety systems.
