Speed limiter plan for new cars welcomed by campaigner

WARRINGTON’S Rod King, campaign director for the national “20’s Plenty” movement, has welcomed plans for in-car speed limiters as “a game changer for road safety.”
Mr King, from Lymm, was commenting on EU proposals – which will be observed in the UK – to make in-car speed limiters compulsory on all new vehicles from 2022.
He said: “Speed limiters being widely used are a total game changer for road safety and quality of life. This will transform compliance levels and make obsolete any previous complaints about speed limits being ‘ignored’ by drivers.”
But he cautioned: “However, for a speed limit and limiter to be effective we do need the correct set of speed limits across our community road network and there is overwhelming evidence that 20mph should be the maximum speed limit where motor vehicles mix with pedestrians and cyclists.
“Now in anticipation of ISA (intelligent speed assistance) technology, we should set a national urban/village 20mph default, with exceptions decided locally.
“It will transform the way we share the streets in our communities and provide the required conditions for a healthier and more active nation.”
Campaigns by the 20’s Plenty group have resulted in many towns and cities introducing 20mph areas – including Warrington.
Many cars already have speed limiters as optional extras. London buses already successfully use ISA technology to ensure drivers obey 20mph limits. Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and buses are already maximum speed limited.
The plan is not just for speed limiters but also for black box recorders which would track overrides and which would be available to insurance companies who would be likely to penalise offenders.