EU explores satellite system to automatically slow speeding cars

The European Commission is currently exploring a satellite navigation system that would automatically slow cars travelling over the speed limit. If the system is approved, it would most likely be introduced in 2030. 

EU mulls satellite speed limiter

Various sources have confirmed that the European Commission is exploring the possibility of introducing a system to automatically slow speeding cars, reports Dutch outlet AD. The system would use satellite navigation, digital maps, 5G signal and cameras that recognise traffic signs to determine the maximum speed a car should be travelling on a certain road.

Car software would then be able to restrict engine power so that the driver doesn’t go over the speed limit. The driver could still temporarily increase the speed in the case of an emergency.

The system would be similar to the Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) system that all new cars sold in the EU must be equipped with since July 2024. ISA warns drivers with a message, vibration or noise if they are driving too fast. However, the new system wouldn’t allow drivers to ignore the warning and would slow the car automatically.

Concerns over privacy and security

While road safety organisations are encouraged by a system that intervenes to reduce speeding and the number of serious traffic accidents, there are some concerns about the technology.

These types of systems don’t always recognise the correct maximum speed and could miss traffic signs. Additionally, digital maps could be outdated, and GPS locations can sometimes be inaccurate.

Critics have also warned that if the system unexpectedly slows a car, it could cause dangerous situations in traffic. Aside from the system’s reliability, there are also questions about cybersecurity and drivers' data privacy.

Systems that can control vehicles require very good security against malfunctions and digital attacks. The EU could also lose hundreds of millions in revenue from speeding fines.

The European Commission has emphasised that the plans are still in the exploratory phase, and that discussions with car manufacturers and road safety organisations are being carried out to determine whether tighter safety rules would be necessary.

If the plan is eventually approved, which still remains unclear, 2030 is the most commonly mentioned start date.

This article was originally published on IamExpat in the Netherlands.