Speed-limiter is unveiled

[Wooly]

Quote:

Speed-limiter is unveiled

A new government-backed system that would force vehicles to observe speed limits using an engine limiter is set to create controversy.

The Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) device includes GPS and mapping to identify speed limits in any location. Last week it was demonstrated how it would work on motorcycles.

Riders will hear two warning beeps if they stray over the limit. When they reach 5mph over the limit their seat will vibrate. If they don’t slow down the system will retard the throttle to slow the motorcycle down until it is at or below the speed limit.

The system can also be used in cars and there is speculation the system is the first step in government plans to force car makers to fit variable limiters. It was developed at the Motor Industry Research Association with funding from the Department for Transport.

Motoring organisations have warned that the system could hinder drivers trying to accelerate out of danger. A DfT spokesman said there were no plans to make the device compulsory in the UK.

If this happens that would be the final nail in the coffin and i would migrate somewhere else

[Tad]

Does it not verge on being an infringement of human rights?

[ALD0]

Have seemed similar articles published, most of these seem to be on the net and not on the news, but I guess it will be only time before some sort of device comes out.

[MINIMAT]

For everything there's a way of hacking it.

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIMAT (original)

For everything there's a way of hacking it.

Exactly, it will only result in a) a massive reduction in traffic cops b) a free reign for those with hacked systems and therefore c) more accidents.

[tx-jbird]

I would not call it an infringement on human rights. I would call it undue interference on the part of government. There are those who would argue that it is in the interest of public safety.
By the way, things that are accepted (not necessarily liked) such as speed cameras and surveillance cameras on public streets in the UK are being met with outcries of infringement of our civil rights here in the States. Houston is just now getting red light cameras to catch people who run red lights. Some people in the area have talked about filing a law suit against the city government to prevent it.

[Lawrothegreat]

I agree that such a move could be argued to be in the greater interest of the public. I don't believe it is a good idea though, it removes the freedom of a driver to drive away from danger, or be able to transport somebody in need to hospital more quickly. I accept these are occasions most drivers will never face but with increased cases of road rage I would feel less safe with a limiter in place.

I think it would be far more beneficial to concentrate on catching offenders in 20mph and 30mph zones where there is a real risk to endangering the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, not motorways etc. I would raise the speed limit on motorways to 80mph, but concentrate on those who unnecessarily aggressively tailgate (e.g. less than 3 to 4 metres at speed).

I drove on an unrestricted section of a German autobahn last week, with some cars driving at up to around 110mph and was impressed by the number of drivers who did not tailgate.

[Root Ginger]

The other problem with a speed limiter is everyone will drive with there foot flat to the floor all the time. Like playing a computer game but with no regard to the conditions of the road. It would create a dumbing down of driving.

[minimattsback]

I wonder who would pay for such a system

[Lawrothegreat]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger (original)

The other problem with a speed limiter is everyone will drive with there foot flat to the floor all the time. Like playing a computer game but with no regard to the conditions of the road. It would create a dumbing down of driving.

Quite, why do drivers exceed speed limits? (mostly) for the sensation - not to shave 12 minutes of their three hour journey, or 35 seconds on the way to the shops. With speed limiters in place everyone would do their best to keep ahead - visions of D-reg Fiestas spring to mind attempting tight corners in the dark bang on 60mph.

[Robert Stancliff]

The secret is to stay just over the speed limit, but below the throttle retard point, and just relax and enjoy the seat vibration.

[pubert]

Noooo, I'm feckin fed up with this country, what kind of spanner sits at a desk inventing
ways to make life even more bleedin miserable in this place. God i'm cheesed off with
this, it is'nt like the planks who run this country, have already oppressed drivers enough,
without thinking of another bell**d scheme to make us miserable.

We have fixed speed cameras, mobile speed camers, sky high fuel prices, toll roads
planned, road tax, they'll be taxing us on the air in our tyre next.

Jesus, I read the other day about another little scheme they have planned, tale gating
cameras, so they can shaft you if you get too close to the car in front, well, if the car
in front got out the bloody way there would be no tail gating, they should change the
scheme to a lane hogging camera, and fine the people who hold everyone else up.

Appologies for the rant, i just feel that the UK is really getting on top of me lately,
everywhere you look its politically correct this, nanny state that, tax this, lets put
prices up again, what else can we do to make everyone miserable.

Migration does seem an excellent option.

sorry
pubert