LIMITERS AND BREATHALYSERS IN ALL NEW CARS

All new cars launched from 2022 will have to be equipped with speed limiting equipment and the wiring for inbuilt breathalysers, following a decision by the European Council.

In March this year the European Commission gave provisional approval for plans to make several safety features mandatory in new cars. That plan has now received final approval, meaning it will pass into law.

The rule will make it compulsory for car makers to fit intelligent speed limiters, wiring to allow the fitting of in-car breathalysers, lane keep assistance, autonomous emergency braking, data loggers and driver drowsiness warning systems.

All new models launched from 2022 will have to have the technology fitted while models already on sale will have to comply with the rules by 2024.

Although it is yet to be confirmed if the UK will set the same stipulations after Brexit, the Government has previously said the UK will mirror European road safety rules.

Timo Harakka of the European Council, said: “These new rules will help us to reduce significantly the number of fatalities and severe injuries.”

Previously, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said that approval of the measures could cut collisions by 30 per cent and save 25,000 lives across Europe in the next 15 years.

Brake’s Joshua Harris said: “Drink-driving and speeding are a scourge on our roads and the cause of devastating crashes every day.

“It’s fantastic to hear that alcohol interlock compatibility and speed limiting technology will soon be mandatory .”

However, AA president Edmund King warned that drivers should not become overly reliant on technology. He said :“technology will play a part but drivers should not rely solely on computers and cameras to drive their cars for them. Until fully autonomous vehicles are on the roads, drivers must keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel .”