What are speed limiters and will they be compulsory?

What are speed limiters?

A speed limiter is a device fitted in your vehicle that safely ensures your vehicle does not cross a certain speed. The purpose of a speed limiter is to act as a speed warning system which is different to cruise control. With cruise control, you manually set a speed limit to assist your vehicle in maintaining a consistent level of speed throughout your journey, without the use of the accelerator. With a speed limiter, you are able to accelerate and decelerate as normal, as long as you stay within the speed limit that has been set.  

How do speed limiters work? 

Speed limiters, also known as Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA), use a combination of traffic-sign recognition and GPS navigation data to determine the maximum speed allowed in an area limiting the engine power and vehicle speed to that limit.  

Speed limiters send haptic, visual and audio warnings until the driver starts to drive within the speed limit detected. The system can be overridden by pressing down hard on the accelerator. However, the system will be reactivated once the car has started again.  

How do speed limiters work? 

As of July 2022, the European Commission reached a provisional agreement that all new cars will legally be required to have a speed limiter fitted, while current cars being sold must have a ISA included from July 2024.  

Despite leaving Europe, the UK will likely obey these new safety regulations as they have retained most EU laws for new cars since Brexit. 

 

Looking to book in for a service to ensure your car is up to standards? Simply visit your local PTA Garages branch or contact a member of our specialist team who will be able to offer guidance and advice.