http://www.eta.co.uk/news/newsview.asp?n=589
'Intelligent speed' technology unveiled
New technology designed to make drivers more aware of their speed has been unveiled by a government-funded body.
The Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) device uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to work out the speed limits on a particular road, and makes warning beeps when the driver exceeds the maximum speed for the location.
As well as sounding a warning, drivers straying five miles over the speed limit or more will feel their seat vibrating to alert them to their law-breaking, using technology developed at the Motor Industry Research Association using Department for Transport funding.
However, some organisations have rejected the device as one stop on the road to physically controlling drivers' speed, with Paul Smith, founder of road charity Safe Speed saying: "Anyone who understands safe driving will know that safety depends on drivers being fully engaged in the task.
"With ISA ordinary motorists will turn into zombies with their foot planted to the floor, trusting the satellite to control their speed."
ISA technology exists in three forms: advisory, which alerts the driver to their speed, voluntary – where the device can control a driver's speed if necessary – and mandatory, whereby the car's speed can be restrained with no option to override the system.