We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Fleets should be preparing drivers for new vehicles that will be fitted with intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology as standard, according to software firm Fleetcheck.
A European Commission ruling means all new cars given type approval from May 2022 will have the technology fitted, while those already on sale must comply by May 2024, with the technology also expected to appear on models sold in the UK despite Brexit.
Drivers will be able to override the technology if they choose, however Fleetcheck managing director Peter Golding said the move should be seen as a significant opportunity to enforce a safety message on speed.
He said: "Thankfully, macho attitudes towards speeding that were once quite common among drivers of company vehicles have reduced considerably in recent years. However, speeding tickets are still pretty common, as any fleet manager will tell you.
"Our view is that the introduction of ISA technology is a moment that employers should be seizing as an opportunity to make clear that there is no corporate leeway when it comes to speeding and the dangers it represents.
"The way in which the new devices work mean that drivers need to make a conscious decision to break the law by squeezing the accelerator and there is simply no good reason for that to happen. With the first ISA cars, vans and trucks now less than a year away, this is a good moment to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to excessive speed."
Golding said that with long lead times caused by widespread supply problems currently affecting the new car industry, vehicles being ordered within the next few months will potentially arrive with the technology fitted, so it was very close to being a live fleet issue.
He said: "Our view is that this should be presented to drivers as a genuine benefit. Firstly, these are safer vehicles - reduced speed means fewer accident and fewer serious accidents. Secondly, it will potentially remove the chance of you picking up a speeding ticket.
"Research undertaken by the EU shows that drivers like ISA-equipped cars because, in everyday driving, sticking to the speed limit becomes one less thing to worry about. We are sure that this will soon become the case among drivers of company vehicles."
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
