Three-quarters of drivers are concerned that the use of Intelligent Speed Adaptations (ISAs) will compromise safety, according to research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Last month, the EU announced that it was considering rules for new cars to be installed with Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology.
This would be capable of detecting limits through cameras or satellites and automatically applying the brakes.
Existing vehicles could be forced to be retrofitted with the devices.
But 78% of drivers don’t want to see the retro fitting of ISA technology onto older vehicles.
More than half (57%) of drivers feel that ISAs won’t have a positive impact on road safety – avoiding crashes, deaths and injuries.
There is overwhelming support for ISAs when vehicle control remains with the driver.
Two-thirds of respondents would prefer ISAs to operate with warning messages with no control of the vehicle.
Respondents do feel that there are some benefits to ISAs with 52% seeing a reduced likelihood of speeding convictions and less money spent on traffic calming measures such as road humps.
Nearly a third (31%) of respondents feel that, if enforced, ISAs should be restricted to younger drivers, newly qualified drivers and drivers with previous road-related convictions.
Simon Best, chief executive of the IAM, said: “ISAs could help to save lives but it’s clear that drivers remain dubious about the benefits of the technology.
"More research into the benefits would help to reassure the public that this will improve road safety.
”Unfortunately, over a third of respondents see this as a way of controlling drivers, I believe if drivers are trained properly and have access to on-going learning, the government would not need to enforce ISAs.”
Gordoun Flint - 29/10/2013 13:13
I agree with Simon that driver training is the issue taking control of teh vehicle in order to enforce sped limits is not the way forward. Many GPS sat'nav system will alert the driver to the speed limit or that it is being exceeded. In car technology of this nature may well awaken the dozy driver and moderate his / her behaviour.