The RAC has openly called for officials to trial new technology that would stop cars from exceeding 70mph on motorways. The motoring group has suggested that Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) tools should be tested in what would be a major overhaul of UK road rules.
How IISA Technology Works
IISA technology uses GPS and sign recognition to quickly identify speed limits and prevent cars from breaching them. Once the vehicle reaches the limit, the system is designed to manage throttle input, preventing drivers from accelerating beyond it. The system only limits acceleration beyond the speed limit, meaning it does not suddenly slam on the brakes when road users are speeding.
Targeting Repeat Offenders
However, the RAC's campaign stresses that the system should not be introduced for every driver on UK roads. Instead, the tool could be introduced for a "defined group of serious or repeat speeding offenders" to crack down on road safety. Previous research carried out by the RAC for the Government's Road Safety Strategy found that nine-in-10 (86%) drivers would back new measures targeting those who speed excessively on UK roads.
Call for Government Trial
The RAC revealed its support for IISA last month, demanding that officials look into testing the technology in the real world. The RAC said: "We are asking the Government to legislate for a UK trial of Intervening ISA for serious and repeat speeding offenders. The trial should test whether the technology can reduce repeat speeding, improve compliance and protect road users."
The RAC added: "A trial is the right next step. It would allow the Government to test the technology in UK conditions before considering wider use. It would also allow the Department for Transport, Ministry of Justice, DVLA, police, courts and local areas to work through the practical questions."
Existing Speed Assistance Systems
Many modern vehicles are already equipped with Intelligent Speed Assist tools as standard. However, many of these only display speed limits on the dashboard and give an audio warning if motorists are over the limit instead of interfering directly with the controls.
Brake's Perspective
Road safety charity Brake previously stressed that road users believe ISAs could help individuals avoid speeding penalties and fines, giving them peace of mind behind the wheel. However, they warned that motorists had previously raised concerns about the technology, including fears among road users that vehicles might slow down suddenly in a safety risk.
Brake added: "Educational materials can address this by explaining how ISA works: that the vehicle's power is cut if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, gradually slowing the vehicle - the brakes are not involved."
