Overview
- Reports first published on Monday say the European Commission has explored a plan to require new cars from about 2030 to carry satellite-connected devices that can enforce local speed limits.
- The proposed system would combine satellite navigation, up-to-date map data, 5G positioning and on‑board cameras to identify speed limits and reduce engine power or throttle when drivers exceed them.
- Drivers would retain a short temporary override for overtaking or avoiding danger, after which the automatic limit would reassert itself.
- Safety researchers and drivers’ groups warn the technology must be highly reliable because current Intelligent Speed Assistance tests show errors; Thatcham Research found 91.3% route accuracy but only 74.3% accuracy on individual speed decisions, meaning about one in four interventions could be wrong.
- The European Commission has said the reports are exploratory and not a formal proposal and any rule would need extensive technical validation and a full legislative process before becoming law, leaving timing and details unresolved.