Big Brother Attempts to Limit Speed With Navigation Systems

Written By: Phil Floraday

Filed Under: All News, Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Roadways/Traffic December 30th, 2007 12:08 PM

British drivers may have help reducing their speeds around London. Transit for London is taking bids on an Intelligent Speed Adaption system that would use satellite maps of the city that “know” the speed limits on every road. If a driver exceeds that speed, the system takes control of the accelerator and slows the vehicle.

The system will first be tested on TfL vehicles, but the bid specifies that the system must be easily adaptable for cars, vans, busses, and taxis—basically anything on the streets of London. A spokesperson assured Auto Express that the program is only a test for two years, but the long-term implications are obvious. Any state that tests such a system is looking to implement it as more than a test in the future.

We’ve already heard about the GT-R’s intelligent sat-nav system that allows top speed when the car is on a race track, but that’s a far cry from what TfL is proposing. Let us know if you’d be willing to have such a system installed in your vehicle in comments.

+ Auto Express: Now sat-nav slows speeders

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11 Comments

M. Dillon December 30th, 2007 12:59 PM Link

In the name of safety,for the city of London…

Orwell’s,”Big Brother”,lives on…

Wow…

Jeb December 30th, 2007 2:18 PM Link

Told ya so.

Eagle Watch December 30th, 2007 2:48 PM Link

I’d like to see this system adopted in the US….

But only installed in police vehicles to limit their top speed according to the posted speed limit unless they have their lights and sirens on. Certainly would curtail the massive “I am the Law” mentality cops have thinking speed limits don’t apply to them.

autodope December 30th, 2007 3:42 PM Link

Why should they stop there? They could combine it with the photo radar ticketing systems and have it mail you a ticket every time you exceed the speed limit. What a wonderful way to increase the old tax coffers.

This stuff really makes me mad.

Steve December 30th, 2007 6:27 PM Link

I’m right with Eagle Watch…

However, I’m sure they could easily tie use of this system to getting a registration to drive in London… so, you either abide, or get ticketed for not having the system installed…

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” - Ronald Reagan.

Jay December 30th, 2007 7:47 PM Link

Welcome to the Commonwealth of Britain, where saftey is for the good of the people.

Austin December 30th, 2007 8:40 PM Link

Sure, I would love to have one of these in my car…

So I could sell it the day I got it.

William Patrick December 31st, 2007 5:53 PM Link

Haha!! Forget the Queen, God save us from the government!!!

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