The system detects changing speed limits and activates when a vehicle goes too fast. A trial of the system will soon start in Victoria and possibly other Australian States and in future the device could be fitted to the cars of regular speed offenders to stop them breaking the law.
The technology detects speed limits using gps and operates at three levels
1. a beep warns the driver to slow down if they are speeding.
2. speeding is prevented by cutting power to the engine. (Although the system can be turned off or adjusted)
3. all speeding is prevented and cannot be switched off or adjusted.
Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel confirmed his state was involved in the talks.
"Technology is evolving all the time with these things, and my view with road safety is to see what the latest technology is and see if it can improve safety," Mr Mickel said. Michael Paine, a vehicle safety consultant for Queensland Transport and other states, said ISA could reduce serious accidents by up to 20 per cent. The biggest hurdle was mapping every street with their speed limits, Mr Paine said.
Initial cost of the system is expected to be between $700 and $2000 per unit
