New: Speed Limiters on UK Cars from July 2024

Speed Limiters for safer roads and a step towards self-driving technology

New Regulations for Speed Limiters in Europe

By July 7, 2024, all new cars sold in Europe must have Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems, according to the European Commission's 2019/2044 regulation. This also means unregistered cars currently on lots must be retrofitted with speed limiters before being sold. This follows a 2022 mandate requiring speed limiters in all new vehicles sold in Europe. The UK will also adopt these regulations post-Brexit, aligning with EU standards to simplify manufacturing and promote self-driving technology.

What is a Speed Limiter?

A speed limiter is a safety device that prevents a vehicle from exceeding a set speed. Unlike cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, a speed limiter allows normal acceleration and deceleration but warns the driver when the set limit is reached.

How Do Speed Limiters Work?

The ISA system uses GPS and traffic-sign recognition cameras to detect speed limits and adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly. The system provides haptic, audio, and visual warnings if the speed limit is exceeded and can be temporarily overridden by pressing hard on the accelerator. However, it reactivates with each new start. Many manufacturers, including Citroen, Ford, and Volvo, are already including ISAs in their cars.

Concerns and Alerts

Some drivers find the speed warnings annoying. To address this, manufacturers can choose from four alert options, including pedal feedback and visual/audio cues. The effectiveness of these alerts will be reviewed in December 2025 using anonymous data on ISA usage and overrides.

Reliability and Accuracy

There are concerns about the current ISA technology's effectiveness, particularly with forward-facing cameras missing speed changes or being obstructed by vegetation. Instances of sat-nav errors causing incorrect speed adjustments have also been reported. The European Commission emphasises that drivers remain responsible for adhering to traffic rules, with ISA acting as a supportive tool.

Disabling Speed Limiters

While drivers can switch off the speed limiter, it reactivates each time the car is started. Removing the limiter for higher speeds or better fuel economy can be dangerous and illegal.

Road Traffic Accident Reduction

The European Transport Safety Council predicts mandatory speed limiters could reduce collisions by 30%. The European Commission aims to prevent 140,000 serious injuries by 2038 and achieve zero road deaths by 2050. In the UK, adhering to national speed limits is crucial for safety, as highlighted by the 1,711 fatalities and 29,742 serious injuries reported in 2022.