The European Commission is reportedly considering a significant road safety reform that could mandate the use of satellite technology to automatically slow down speeding vehicles. If implemented, new cars sold within the EU could be equipped with devices that limit engine power when a vehicle exceeds the designated speed limit, particularly in areas with lower speed restrictions like 20 mph zones.
This technology, similar to systems already used by e-bike rental companies, would use orbiting satellites and 5G signals to pinpoint a car's location and compare it with digital maps of speed limits. Cameras would also be used to identify road signs. Drivers would have the ability to temporarily override the system for short bursts to accelerate, such as in emergency situations.
Proponents argue that such a system could dramatically improve road safety, with campaigners suggesting it could reduce road deaths by up to 20%. They cite statistics indicating that speed is a contributing factor in a significant portion of fatal road crashes. Road safety advocates also point to the potential for reduced insurance premiums and fewer court cases related to speeding offenses.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised about the reliability of the technology, with some experts noting that current Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems, which are already mandatory in new cars sold in the EU since July 2024 and installed in many UK vehicles, sometimes fail to accurately detect speed limit changes. Critics also worry about potential hacking and misuse of the technology, raising fears of a "Big Brother" scenario where systems could be used to control or restrict drivers' movements.
While the proposed mandatory implementation would not directly apply to Britain due to Brexit, industry experts suggest that car manufacturers would likely fit the technology in models sold in the UK to avoid the cost of creating separate versions. This could pave the way for the UK to adopt similar legislation in the future. Notably, 5,000 of London's 8,000 buses are already fitted with speed limiters, with the entire fleet expected to be covered by 2031.
Discussions between European Commission officials, car manufacturers, and safety organizations are described as exploratory. The European Commission stated that any expert discussions with stakeholders on potential needs for improvements to the general safety regulation are purely of an exploratory nature.