Calls for 'speed-limiting' cars

Speed limiters are all fine and dandy until you need to put your foot down to escape a dangerous situation...

If people want to make a difference to the environment, they should convert their cars to run on renewable energy, not limit the speed of their petrol motor...

In the near future Hydrogen Fuel Cells are going to be a viable option.. and if you can’t wait for the much-touted "hydrogen economy," then step right up: Several companies are ready to sell you vehicles that run on the fuel that's much cleaner and gets higher mileage than gasoline or diesel. Honda already has the FCX Clarity...

I wonder what ze Germans have to say about this.

Screw that. I have a need for speed.

On a voluntary basis? That means only the people who aren't speeding in the first place are going to consider using this. Doesn't seem to accomplish much.

Best thing i have heard in a long time. Because let's face it, placing a board at the side of a road saying 100 is not going to stop people speeding, neither are cameras. So let's just limit the speed of cars.

yay, another way to strip some freedoms!

Here's an idea, why don't Judges order people who have been convicted of reckless driving or anything in that nature to place these devices in their cars and not allow them to drive ANY OTHER car besides the one fitted with the limiter.

What do you think?

This article is really for UK'ers because most American cars, modern ones that is, have governor chips in them which limit their top speeds. That said, it is very easy to find instructions on how to remove them just by doing a google search.

Superchip baby!

This is stupid.

First of all, if people want to circumvent the system, I assure you, they'll find a way. Second, trying to force people to obey a law like this is way too heavy handed.

Also, since it's voluntary, how many people would be willing to say "yeah, I don't trust myself to drive the legal speed limit, so I'm going to let the government do it."

I for one, trust my ability to drive a car, thank you very much.

EDIT

Also, if they want to cut carbon emissions, why not make the speed limit 55mph again? Isn't that a lot more practical than retrofitting everyone's cars?

the speed restrictors have been around since 1945but were easly to work out how to get more speed

Lets make this clear, this isnt about having variable cruise control - something that has been available as standard on American vehicles - that can be controlled by the driver, this is about roadside autonomous control of the engines management system whenever the vehicle is driven into a controlled area.

This removes the decision making and more importantly the skill of driving from the driver, and may well encourage lazy drivers who will consequently drive with their foot down all the time, relying on roadside control to manage their speed.

Having an over-ride control, and using it, will be as much recorded evidence as is needed for a speeding prosecution!

The statement that this will reduce carbon emissions is only as true in that reducing speed does indeed have the effect of using less fuel. However, I believe the real reason that this idea had reared its head yet again, is one of kick starting the economy ...

It will not be possible to force the public retro-fit devices to older vehicles, however, if the Government apply the technology to newer vehicles and then apply increased taxation to older cars forcing the public to buy new as a means of long-term managing household budgets, then the UK motor industry will be revived.

Its all bullshit, and I am very much against it ... where do I sign to protest?

I voted the story up, because I think it is the stupidest proposal I have heard regarding cutting emissions.

The Green farting Pussy Police strike again!

Give up more personal freedom. NO FREAKIN WAY! We have no personal responsibility and we need the government to baby sit us. Please this is the biggest bunch of crap I've ever heard.

I agree with mattbrawn; I would be nervous about not having the ability to accelerate away from something bad about to happen.