Menu
28/05/2003
Speed limiting scheme gets under way
New research trials looking at how drivers behave when their speed is controlled will begin in Leeds next week.
The trials will examine how people's driving changes when they drive specially modified vehicles which detect and keep the vehicle within the speed limit for the road they are on.
Global positioning technology will tell the car where it is and what the speed limit is. Each time the limit changes the driver is notified of the change, and the new limit is set. The car will alert the driver when it reaches the limit by vibrating the accelerator pedal, the car will then stay at that speed unless the driver opts out of the system, brakes or stops accelerating.
The driver can opt in or out of the system at any time by using buttons on the steering wheel and can override it at any time. The system can also be disabled at the touch of a button in an emergency.
Road safety Minister David Jamieson said: "We're not planning to make the use of speed limiting technology mandatory, but we're keen to see what we can learn from this trial. We know that speed kills and I look forward to seeing what findings this brings."
Twenty cars have been equipped with the system and each will have a volunteer driver for six months. There will be four sets of trials, involving a total of 80 drivers. An earlier research project suggested that fatal accidents could be cut by 19% if vehicles used this kind of intelligent speed limiter.
The research is being carried out by the University of Leeds and MIRA (formerly the Motor Industry Research Association).
(GMcG)
The trials will examine how people's driving changes when they drive specially modified vehicles which detect and keep the vehicle within the speed limit for the road they are on.
Global positioning technology will tell the car where it is and what the speed limit is. Each time the limit changes the driver is notified of the change, and the new limit is set. The car will alert the driver when it reaches the limit by vibrating the accelerator pedal, the car will then stay at that speed unless the driver opts out of the system, brakes or stops accelerating.
The driver can opt in or out of the system at any time by using buttons on the steering wheel and can override it at any time. The system can also be disabled at the touch of a button in an emergency.
Road safety Minister David Jamieson said: "We're not planning to make the use of speed limiting technology mandatory, but we're keen to see what we can learn from this trial. We know that speed kills and I look forward to seeing what findings this brings."
Twenty cars have been equipped with the system and each will have a volunteer driver for six months. There will be four sets of trials, involving a total of 80 drivers. An earlier research project suggested that fatal accidents could be cut by 19% if vehicles used this kind of intelligent speed limiter.
The research is being carried out by the University of Leeds and MIRA (formerly the Motor Industry Research Association).
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2005
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
06 May 2005
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
05 May 2005
Electric car charges towards record speeds
A British team of engineers is set to take on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle in Nevada later today. Prior to Thursday's planned runs, driver Mark Newby said: “All our tests and our test runs point in the direction of us being able to set a new record speed.
Electric car charges towards record speeds
A British team of engineers is set to take on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle in Nevada later today. Prior to Thursday's planned runs, driver Mark Newby said: “All our tests and our test runs point in the direction of us being able to set a new record speed.
03 August 2004
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
23 June 2014
High-Speed Rail Link Needed To Boost Northern England
Chancellor George Osborne has announced government plans for a high-speed rail link in the north of England to help re-balance the UK economy. Mr Osborne said a new high-speed railway would create "a northern powerhouse" in a project called by the government as the "most important investment in the north for a century".
High-Speed Rail Link Needed To Boost Northern England
Chancellor George Osborne has announced government plans for a high-speed rail link in the north of England to help re-balance the UK economy. Mr Osborne said a new high-speed railway would create "a northern powerhouse" in a project called by the government as the "most important investment in the north for a century".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
