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If you’re buying a new car, it will likely come equipped with Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA). A new EU law, effective from 7 July 2024, mandates that all new cars sold within the European Union must be fitted with ISA technology.
But what exactly is ISA? In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know.
What is intelligent speed assist?
Intelligent speed assist (ISA) is designed to help drivers stick to speed limits by using cameras and GPS data to monitor the road.
ISA systems, otherwise known as speed limiters, provide a range of warnings and interventions to encourage drivers to reduce their speed. These systems can be split into three groups:
1. Advisory ISA: Alerts the driver through sound warnings (beeps, bongs, chimes) or vibrations in the steering wheel, seat, or accelerator pedal.
2. Supportive ISA: Offers mild intervention by pushing back on the accelerator pedal.
3. Intervening ISA: The most assertive form can cut engine power to prevent exceeding the speed limit.
All versions of ISA include visual warnings, such as a flashing light or the speed figure turning red on the display.
Can I turn off or override intelligent speed assist?
Yes, you can turn off ISA, but it must be done at the start of each journey as the system resets by law. Disabling it usually requires navigating through the car's menus; there's no single button you can press and it can't be permanently deactivated.
If you need to override ISA while driving - perhaps due to a misread sign or outdated GPS data - you can do so by pressing the accelerator harder.
Will intelligent speed assist be fitted to my new car?
Almost certainly. Since July 2022, it has been a legal requirement for all newly launched cars in Europe to be equipped with ISA. On 7 July 2024, this requirement extended to all new cars sold in the EU, including Northern Ireland, regardless of their launch date. While this mandate is not yet in effect in Great Britain due to Brexit, it is expected to be adopted soon.
Most manufacturers are already fitting ISA in their vehicles to improve their Euro NCAP crash test scores.
Why has the law been introduced?
The primary reason for ISA is safety. The European Commission reports that excessive speed contributes to approximately 30% of fatal crashes, with 40% to 60% of drivers exceeding speed limits.
Studies indicate that reducing average speeds by just 1km/h (less than 1mph) can lead to a 5% reduction in fatal crashes. Research in the Netherlands showed that ISA could reduce hospital admissions by 15% and fatalities by 21%.
Additional benefits of ISA include fuel savings, lower emissions, and potential reductions in journey times due to better traffic flow management.
Will I get used to intelligent speed assist?
Though it might take some time getting used to, various organisations suggest that drivers quickly adapt to ISA with many coming to appreciate it, especially as it helps reduce speeding tickets.
Car manufacturers and regulators are collecting anonymised data to understand how ISA affects driving behaviour, which will inform future developments in laws and technology.
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