Europe mulls GPS-linked speed limiters

Every new car sold in Europe could be required to be fitted with a speed limiter, along with a data logger, starting three years from now, the U.K.’s Express reports.

The technology comes after calls for more safety measures to be introduced in vehicles, and as part of efforts to reduce the number of people speeding.

Members of European Parliament have approved the installation of such devices to attempt to cut down on vehicle-related deaths.

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) recommends that the system work as a full on-off switch, and be activated as soon as the car is turned on. The limiters are expected to reduce collisions by an estimated 30 per cent, and save around 25,000 lives over 15 years.

The limiter wouldn’t totally cut people off from going over the speed limit, however. If a driver presses hard on the accelerator, that action will override the system, in case drivers need the speed to pass or to avoid accidents. A data log will record those breaches of speed and tell the driver to slow down.

“If the driver continues to drive above the speed limit for several seconds, the system should sound a warning for a few seconds and display a visual warning until the vehicle is operating at or below the speed limit again,” the ETSC explains.

Driving.ca