Britons have been given an urgent warning ahead of a new speed limit law that comes into force next week.
Now, as many drivers know, the rules of the road seem to be constantly changing.
So it is very important to make sure that you are properly informed about all the new laws to ensure that you do not end up in any trouble on the road.
The technology it refers to “could lead to drastic changes in road safety”. (krzych-34/Getty Images)
Fortunately, it usually gives us that a lot warning before any major changes come into effect, so we don’t really have an excuse, do we?
This includes a new EU law to be brought forward this July, which experts say relates to technology that “could lead to drastic changes in road safety”.
Why does this affect the British after the UK left the EU?
The UK may have left the European Union, but many cars sold here are actually made in EU countries.
This means that the new legislation will continue to apply to the UK market when it comes into effect.
What is the new speed limit law?
From July 7, all new cars made in Europe must be equipped with speed limiters to limit the vehicle’s top speed.
All new cars sold in the UK must comply with the new regulations, as the UK has retained most EU laws for new vehicles even after Brexit.
What is a speed limiter?
AutoTrader explains that a speed limiter is a safety device that can be fitted to your car to keep it from exceeding a certain speed.
The new law goes into effect next week. (yevtony/Getty Images)
Called Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA), the technology uses GPS data and/or road sign recognition cameras to “determine the maximum speed limit in a given area.”
“The system will then limit engine power and vehicle speed to that limit,” says AutoTrader, adding: “The speed limiter will emit haptic, audible and visual warnings until you start driving within the speed limits.
“You can override the system by pressing hard on the gas pedal, but the system reactivates every time the car is started.”
What do the experts say?
According to Motor Match, police records last year showed that speeding contributed to 20 per cent of road deaths.
A spokesman said last month: “The new rules, which come into effect in July, introduce ‘mandatory’ speed limiters and change the way we drive on the roads.
“These intelligent speed assist systems will become standard and force drivers to automatically obey speed limits. For example, ISA technology would limit you to a maximum of 70 mph because that’s the national speed limit.”
You have been warned… (Richard Newstead/Getty Images)
“It is important to note that while speed limiters are already present in many cars, the upcoming regulations tighten control.”
Although it is illegal to ignore the speed limit, a total of 5,171 accidents in 2022 were caused by motorists exceeding one, a year-on-year increase of 5.1 percent.
A spokesperson for Motor Match added: “The new intelligent speed assistance systems not only prevent speeding fines and help save fuel, but also significantly reduce the risk of penalties.
“The minimum penalty for speeding currently includes a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
“With ISA technology, the probability of accumulating penalty points and the risk of being excluded from driving for accumulating 12 or more points within three years are significantly reduced.
“This technology could lead to drastic changes in road safety, promoting a more controlled driving environment where speed limits are respected, thereby significantly reducing accident rates.”