New European Union rules mandating that speed-limiting systems be fitted to new cars, vans and lorries come into force on Wednesday.
The requirement for newly launched models to have Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology is part of a package of measures aimed at boosting road safety in the bloc.
ISA detects speed limits on roads through devices such as cameras and satnavs.
Drivers are alerted when their vehicle exceeds the maximum permitted speed such as through audible or vibrating warnings, or by the accelerator pedal gently pushing their foot back.
In some versions, the vehicle’s speed is automatically reduced.
But users can ignore the warnings and override speed reductions.
Other measures in the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR) include driver drowsiness warnings, emergency stop signals, accurate tyre pressure monitoring and event data recorders.
UK introduction
Road traffic lawyer Nick Freeman, known as Mr Loophole for winning celebrities’ cases on legal technicalities, predicted that speed limiters will be introduced in the UK over the next two years.
He described them as “incredibly dangerous” and “a needless distraction”, as there are “always circumstances where you need to briefly accelerate”.
He went on: “To have a device which will automatically prevent the driver from being able to escape from danger – as well as the freedom to make decisions – is ridiculous.
“People should be allowed to drive. I’m not against safety devices but am against losing overall control.”
Dan Powell, senior editor at used car website CarSite, said: “While some people will be understandably nervous about the mandatory introduction of ISA, it’s important to note that it can be manually overridden.
“Some cars feature this tech already and feedback from owners is generally positive.”
