After news broke that the UK will next week see brand new EU-enforced speeding legislation implemented, many Brits have naturally been wondering if and how their vehicle might be affected.
Fear not, however, drivers, as we're here to catch you up on all the need-to-knows when it comes to getting behind the wheel from now on.
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First things first, though, we'll answer the burning question that's proven to be on many peoples' lips...
Why are EU laws still affecting British drivers?
You might be wondering why, following the UK's exit from the EU back in 2020, we're still having to abide by European driving laws.
Well, being that hundreds of thousands of cars sold over here are actually made in EU countries, the new legislation will apply to the UK market.
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OK, fine. But what is the new law?
From next Sunday (7 July), vehicles made in Europe will be fitted with a technological device called a, Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), designed to limit the maximum speed that your car is able to reach.
I promise, it's not as complicated as it sounds.
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This mandatory 'speed limiter' will mean that European cars bought by British drivers will have their speed involuntarily capped.
Basically, you'll still accelerate as normal but the limiter will produce warnings or may even reduce engine power when you attempt to go above the top legal speed.
How will the device work?
Without getting too bogged with in the logistic of the device, the new 'speed limiter' will use GPS data - as well as traffic-sign-recognition cameras to 'determine the maximum speed allowed in an area'.
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"The system then limits the engine’s power and the vehicle’s speed to that limit," car marketplace firm AutoTrader explained.
"The speed limiter will send haptic, audio, and visual warnings until you start driving within the speed limits.
"You can override the system by pressing hard on the accelerator, but the system will reactivate every time the car is started."
But why the new change?
Apparently, the benefits of the speed cap will be two-fold.
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Being that a staggering total of 5,171 road traffic accidents were recorded back in 2022 - an all-time high for the UK - the British government is hoping the new legislation will reduce the amount of life-threatening driving being observed.
On top of this, it is reportedly hoped that the new law will reduce the amount of fines, penalties and licence points being issued to drivers.
"The new Intelligent Speed Assistance systems not only prevent speeding fines and contribute to fuel savings, but also significantly reduce the risk of penalties," a spokesperson from Motor Match said.
“The minimum penalty for speeding currently includes a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence."
They continued: "With ISA technology, the likelihood of accumulating penalty points, and the risk of being disqualified from driving for gathering 12 or more points within three years, is greatly reduced.
“This technology could lead to a drastic change in road safety, fostering a more controlled driving environment where speed limits are adhered to, thus reducing accidents significantly."
So, how will this law affect you and your car?
Being that these devices are legally compulsory on EU-manufactured vehicles, it's partially up to the driver purchasing the car to make sure it is being sold to them with one already fitted.
Similarly, older European vehicles being sold in the UK second-hand - which were produced after the new law was implemented - will also have to be fitted with an ISA system, with the fault landing with the driver if they're caught my police.
So, don't say we didn't warn you!
Topics: Technology, Hacks, UK News, News
Rhianna Benson