EU aims to put speed limiting technology and data recorders on all cars using European roads by 2022
- Raft of measures discussed on Wednesday include system which recognises speed limits and restricts engine power
- Move is in response to statistics showing 25,000 people are killed on European roads each year
The European Union is moving to require cars and trucks to have technology that will help keep drivers from speeding as well as data recorders that will document the circumstances of accidents.
Those were among the safety features included in a provisional agreement announced on Wednesday by the EU’s executive commission.
The package would mandate so-called intelligent speed assistance, which recognises speed limits using mapping systems and help drivers observe them by restricting engine power. The driver can override the system by pushing harder on the gas pedal. But the on-board data recorder could further deter speeding by registering the car’s speed.
“Every year 25,000 people lose their lives on our roads,” said Elzbieta Bienkowska, the European Commissioner responsible for internal market and industry. “We can and must act to change this.”
The European Commission, the executive arm of the 28-country EU, said the features would be required on all vehicles on European roads from 2022.
The other safety features would include systems to warn drivers if they seem drowsy and against distractions such as smartphone use. Cameras and sensors would be required to avoid accidents while backing up and to help keep a car in a lane. For cars and vans, the deal requires advanced emergency braking, which can detect obstacles and push the brake pedal if the driver does not responds in time.