The In car Computer that makes speeding history?

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By Admin
Published: May 12, 2009
An in car computer that could soon make it impossible for motorists to speed has been slammed by critics.
The Intelligent Speed Adaption system was unveiled today as part of the largest-ever pilot of its kind and is seen as a blueprint for a nationwide scheme which could add around £500 to the cost of the car.
But critics claimed that it was further evidence of state interference. They say it undermines motorists’ freedom and hinder, rather than aid, road safety.
According to Paul Biggs, of  the Association of British Drivers, the trial, being carried out by Transport for London (TFL) which runs buses, trains, the underground and major roads in the capital, ‘will stop drivers thinking’.
He said: “It’s a ludicrous idea because at times you need that bit of extra speed when overtaking for example and a car or Lorry suddenly appears coming towards you, you don’t have time to think. I can see it actually contributing to accidents.”
Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety, said: “Drivers are divided in their views of ISA; some hate it, some want it. Many have questions that will be answered only by trials like those being carried out by TfL.
However, Chris Lines, head of TfL’s road safety unit claims the system does not effect the brakes and could potentially cut accidents by around 10 per cent . He said: “This innovative technology could help any driver avoid the unnecessary penalties of creeping over the speed limit and at the same time will save lives.”
Currently the computer is programmed with the speed limits on every road within the M25.
The government plans to order a nationwide map. The system offers the driver two modes-voluntary and advisory-as well as an override button.
In advisory mode the screen displays the speed limit and a face that smiles if the driver sticks to the limit and frowns if they go too fast.
One local authority has already said it wants to place an order for 300 ISA units- which costs £400,000 to develop-for its own fleet.
They were made by the British division of Technolution, a Dutch firm, with funding from TfL.
TfL will reveal its findings in a report next year.

An in car computer that could soon make it impossible for motorists to speed has been slammed by critics.

The Intelligent Speed Adaption system was unveiled today as part of the largest-ever pilot of its kind and is seen as a blueprint for a nationwide scheme which could add around £500 to the cost of the car.

But critics claimed that it was further evidence of state interference. They say it undermines motorists’ freedom and hinder, rather than aid, road safety.

According to Paul Biggs, of  the Association of British Drivers, the trial, being carried out by Transport for London (TFL) which runs buses, trains, the underground and major roads in the capital, ‘will stop drivers thinking’.

He said: “It’s a ludicrous idea because at times you need that bit of extra speed when overtaking for example and a car or Lorry suddenly appears coming towards you, you don’t have time to think. I can see it actually contributing to accidents.”

Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety, said: “Drivers are divided in their views of ISA; some hate it, some want it. Many have questions that will be answered only by trials like those being carried out by TfL.

However, Chris Lines, head of TfL’s road safety unit claims the system does not effect the brakes and could potentially cut accidents by around 10 per cent . He said: “This innovative technology could help any driver avoid the unnecessary penalties of creeping over the speed limit and at the same time will save lives.”

Currently the computer is programmed with the speed limits on every road within the M25.

The government plans to order a nationwide map. The system offers the driver two modes-voluntary and advisory-as well as an override button.

In advisory mode the screen displays the speed limit and a face that smiles if the driver sticks to the limit and frowns if they go too fast.

One local authority has already said it wants to place an order for 300 ISA units- which costs £400,000 to develop-for its own fleet.

They were made by the British division of Technolution, a Dutch firm, with funding from TfL.

TfL will reveal its findings in a report next year.

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