The RAC has called on the UK government to introduce mandatory speed limiters in all new cars, following a surge in speeding offences. Data from 33 police forces revealed 271,341 drivers were caught driving at 40mph or more on 30mph roads—speeds at least 33% higher than the limit. Across 28 forces, 32,548 drivers were recorded at 30mph or more on 20mph roads.
RAC Backs Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance
In its response to the government's Road Safety Strategy consultation, the RAC urged the adoption of Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) technology. Unlike standard Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), which only advises drivers and can be overridden, IISA limits throttle input to ensure compliance with speed limits and can only be overridden in limited, monitored circumstances.
RAC chief Rod Dennis said: "We therefore strongly urge the Government to introduce Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance technology—which can prevent a vehicle from exceeding the limit—to reduce the number of drivers on our roads that puts all of us at risk."
Speed a Factor in Most Fatal Collisions
The RAC warned that speed has long been a main factor in fatal collisions. Official 2024 data shows speed was a factor in 58% of fatal collisions, with drivers exceeding the limit behind 20% of all such collisions.
Government Consultation on ISA
The government has consulted on mandating Intelligent Speed Assistance in new vehicles sold in Great Britain. However, the RAC noted that ISA has limited impact as it only advises and can be overridden. The RAC supports the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, calling for IISA to be considered for improving road safety by targeting the most dangerous offenders.
The RAC stated: "Intervening ISA should be used as a specific mandatory judicial intervention, in coordination with the DVLA, for drivers who persistently and dangerously exceed the speed limit, despite multiple other interventions."
DfT Response
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "There's no excuse for those who choose to speed and put lives at risk. While we have no plans to mandate speed control technology, our road safety strategy includes proposals to hit all new cars with systems that warn drivers when they exceed the speed limit."
