ISA Trial to begin

Intelligent Speed Adaptation, the so called ‘Spy in the cab’ moved a step closer with the announcement that Transport For London (TfL) is to trial a system for six months in its 20 of its own vehicles including a London bus and in a black cab.

Southwark council has also expressed interest in fitting the technology to 300 of its vehicles.
Many claims are made for the system, ranging from decreases in accident and speeding rates, to benefits to the environment accrued by drivers travelling at or near the speed limit, however this last benefit is minimized by studies from Leeds University which show the social benefits of the accident savings far outweigh any CO2 reduction benefits.

The technology works by a combination of a digital ‘Speed Limit map’ of the area within the M25 and a GPS system in the vehicle which provides a location to the system.
There are two differing methods of ISA that are being tested in the trial:

Advisory: Where the system displays a warning on what is effectively a glorified SatNav display of whether the driver is obeying or exceeding the limit, but does not seek to control the vehicle

Controlling: Where the system is attached to sensors and computer systems and will not let the vehicle accelerate past the posted limit.

The AA have released a statement outlining their position on the two options:
On balance a voluntary, discretionary or advisory system probably has safety and practical benefits as it can remind us of speed limits and help prevent accidents and penalty points.
However, a mandatory system would be a step too far as the human element of judgment must always govern our safe driving. Perhaps the best answer is to allow time, and the market, to take its course as has happened with other in-car systems. But ultimately the best speed limiter is the drivers’ right foot.

The results of the TfL study will be presented to the Mayor of London in 12 months time, but it’s unlikely that they will be anything other than positive in regards to the technology.

From the point of view of ACE, as we have stated in the past, ISA is another method of removing responsibility for their actions from the driver of the vehicle and placing it in the hands of a not infallible system, which is not an appropriate use of technology and where, broadly speaking we are in line with the AA view.

Also, it should be noted that the ‘Controlling’ systems requires vehicles to have electronic controls such as ECU (Engine Control Unit) and TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) mechanisms to allow proper operation, which, obviously, are not able to be retro-fitted.

This has obvious implications for ‘Enthusiast’ vehicles should the technology ever become mandatory.