Britons have been given an urgent warning over new speed limit laws coming into effect next week.
As many drivers know, the rules of the road seem to be constantly changing.
It is therefore extremely important that you are aware of the latest legislation, so that you do not get into trouble along the way.
The technology in question ‘could lead to a drastic change in road safety’. (krzych-34/Getty Images)
Luckily we usually get that a lot of of warning before major changes go into effect, so we really have no excuse, right?
This includes a new EU law that will come into force in July, which experts say is linked to technology and could ‘lead to a drastic change in road safety’.
Why does this apply to Brits after the UK leaves the EU?
Well, Britain may have left the European Union, but many cars sold here are actually made in EU countries.
This means that the new legislation will still apply to the UK market when it comes into force.
What does this new speed limit law mean?
From 7 July, all new cars produced in Europe must be equipped with speed limiters. These limiters are intended to limit the maximum speed of the vehicle.
All new cars sold in the UK must comply with the new regulations. Even after Brexit, the UK has retained most EU laws for new vehicles.
What is a speed limiter?
AutoTrader explains that a speed limiter is a safety device that can be installed in your car so that it does not exceed a certain speed.
The new law goes into effect next week. (jevtony/Getty Images)
The technology, called Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA), uses GPS data and/or traffic sign recognition cameras to “determine the maximum speed limit in an area.”
“The system then limits the engine power and vehicle speed to that limit,” AutoTrader said. “The speed limiter sends haptic, audio and visual warnings until you keep within the speed limits.
“You can bypass the system by pressing hard on the accelerator, but the system is reactivated every time the car is started.”
What do the experts say?
According to Motor Match, police data from last year showed that exceeding the speed limit was a contributing factor in 20 percent of traffic fatalities.
A spokesperson said last month: “The new rules, which come into effect in July, introduce ‘mandatory’ speed limiters, changing the way we drive on roads.
“These Intelligent Speed Assistance Systems will become standard, requiring drivers to automatically adhere to speed limits. For example, ISA technology would limit you to a maximum of 110 km/h, because that is the national speed limit.
You’ve been warned… (Richard Newstead/Getty Images)
“It is important to note that while speed limiters are already present in many cars, upcoming regulations will tighten control.”
Although ignoring the speed limit is illegal, a total of 5,171 accidents occurred in 2022 due to drivers exceeding the speed limit, an increase of 5.1 percent compared to the previous year.
The Motor Match spokesperson added: “The new Intelligent Speed Assistance systems not only prevent speeding fines and contribute to fuel savings, but also significantly reduce the risk of fines.
“The minimum penalty for speeding is currently a £100 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence.
“The ISA technology significantly reduces the chance of accumulating penalty points and the risk of disqualification for achieving 12 or more points within three years.
“This technology could lead to a dramatic change in road safety by creating a more controlled driving environment where speed limits are adhered to, which could significantly reduce accidents.”