Automatic speed limiters will be fitted to cars, a taxi and a bus in London this summer, as Transport for London trials the new GPS-based technology that safety campaigners want to see fitted to all new cars in future.
Intelligent Speed Adaptation or ISA is the name that has been given to the new device, which critics may feel is an ironic choice for a system that seemingly fails to acknowledge the need for ‘human intelligence’ behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
ISA works by matching GPS info to a digital database of speed limits and in its trial mode it has two settings. ‘Automatic’ mode restricts vehicle speed according to posted limits, while in ‘advisory’ mode drivers simply get glared at by a red ‘unhappy smiley’. If they drive within the limits the ‘smiley’ turns green.
According to an article in today’s Times online, the ISA system is likely to be offered to private motorists next year. However, even if private motorists fail to embrace the technology, the possible compulsory fitment of ISA to all London’s taxis could have a significant effect on traffic flow as other drivers would be forced to slow behind them.
Even if there is no element of compulsion, fleet vehicle operators using the system could also have the same effect of holding up traffic flows, possibly causing considerable frustration among following drivers.
According to TfL, the trial this summer will include one taxi, a bus, and a fleet of 20 cars driven by its traffic managers and highway inspectors. ‘If the trial demonstrates clear safety and environmental benefits, bus companies and taxi operators could be obliged to equip vehicles with ISA’, says The Times.
The article quotes Chris Lines, head of TfL road safety thus: ‘We know the technology works, and we want to see how drivers in all types of vehicles respond to it. ISA is intended as a road safety device, but if Londoners embrace the technology we may see additional benefits, including reduced congestion as result of collisions and reduced vehicle emissions.
Southwark Council has apparently already signalled its interest in fitting ISA to its 300-strong fleet. ‘This technology could revolutionise the way we keep roads safer in Southwark,’ council member Jeff Hook told the newspaper.
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