EU studies automatic speed‑limiters for new vehicles

The European Commission is examining a possible amendment to road‑safety regulations that would require cars sold from 2030 onward to automatically limit engine power when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. The proposed system would use GPS, 5G connectivity and on‑board cameras to detect speed‑limit signs and intervene by reducing motor output, rather than merely alerting the driver as current Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) does.

No formal legislative text has been published yet; the idea is part of a broader review aimed at reducing road fatalities under the EU’s Vision Zero target for 2050. The discussion notes that the technology must work reliably, citing independent tests that show accuracy falling to around 74 % at points where speed limits change, raising concerns about sudden unintended deceleration. Proposals also envisage temporary deactivation in genuine emergency manoeuvres. The measure is expected to meet strong opposition from motorists and consumer groups, who label such controls “nanny tech”.