German Government rejects Intelligent Speed Adaptation

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Eamonn Townsend

German Government rejects Intelligent Speed Adaptation

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

In its official paper circulated to the meeting of the United Nations' Working Group on Road Safety held last week (3-5th April) in Geneva, the German government clearly stated its objection to external intervention in the speed of vehicles. The "Intelligent Speed Adaptation" (ISA) system aims to ensure enforced compliance with imposed maximum speeds by taking the control of a vehicle from its driver. The technology uses GPS (Global Positioning System) which is connected to the electronic engine management system of the vehicle.

The opposition of Germany is based on three main arguments.

They consider that the principles of ISA are in contradiction with those of the Road Traffic Regulations contained in the 1968 Vienna Convention, which clearly stipulates as one of its fundamental principles, that the control of the vehicle can not be taken from its driver. (*see text below). Germany also refutes the common argument that ISA and speed limiters, such as fitted to heavy goods vehicles, are similar technologies. Speed limiters are regulated to a specific final speed value but still give the possibility to the driver to adapt his way of driving, while the ISA system reduces the speed in accordance with local speed limits by allowing external control of the vehicle. Last but not least, ISA can put traffic safety at risk, by making impossible for the driver to accelerate out of trouble. Motorcyclists have all experienced a situation where accelerating was the only option they had to avoid an accident.

FEMA totally agrees with this position. In 1999 the International Riders' Public Conference held in Mulhouse (France), adopted a joint resolution setting out a similar position which was endorsed by the International motorcycling community.

We shall soon know if this position obtains support from other governments at the United Nations. FEMA will be monitoring and seeking to influence the developments on this important issue.


* Text of the relevant articles in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8/11/1968
- Article 8, §5: "Every driver shall at all times be able to control his vehicle and to guide it".
- Article 13:"Every driver of a vehicle shall in all circumstances have his vehicle under control so as to be able to exercise due and proper care and to be at all times in a position to perform all manoeuvres required of him. He shall, when adjusting the speed of his vehicle, pay constant regard to the circumstances, in particular the lie of the land, the state of the road, the condition and load of his vehicle, the weather conditions and the density of traffic, so as to be able to stop his vehicle within his range of forward vision and short of any foreseeable obstruction."
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