Replacing Spouses
It is the ultimate back seat driver. Motorists face having their cars fitted with a “spy” device that stops speeding.
The satellite-based system will monitor the speed limit and apply the brakes or cut out the accelerator if the driver tries to exceed it. A government-funded trial has concluded that the scheme promotes safer driving.
Drivers in London could be among the first to have the “speed spy” devices fitted. They would be offered a discount on the congestion charge if they use the system. . .
The device compared the car's speed with the local limit – displayed on the dashboard – and sent a signal to the accelerator or brake pedal to slow if it was too fast. The system can be overridden to avoid a hazard. . .
The DfT says it has no plans to make speed limiters mandatory but admits that it is considering creating a digital map of all Britain's roads which would pave the way for a national ISA system.
Edmund King, of the RAC Foundation, said limiters might make motorists less alert: “If you take too much control away the driver could switch on to autopilot.”
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