RoadPilot warns of uncertainty over local speed limits

RoadPilot, the company that developed the UK’s first speed camera location device, has voiced concerns over Government proposals to review speed limits on A and B roads. The company warns that any localised changes to speed limits will need to be accompanied by significant additional investment in roadside signage in order to ensure large numbers of motorists do not find themselves falling unwittingly outside the law.

The Department of Transport has called on local authorities to review the limits on all of their A and B roads, and to implement any changes by 2011. With speed cameras expected to be relied upon to enforce any alteration to local speed limits, more drivers could find themselves incurring fines and licence penalty points unless they are properly informed of the changes.

"While we agree speed limits should more closely reflect the local road layout, all too often drivers are left unaware of permissible speeds due to poor signage," comments James Flynn, CEO of RoadPilot. "These proposals further underline the need for on-board vehicles technologies, such as the RoadPilot microGo, that provide accurate and up-to-date information about accident black-spots, speed camera locations and local speed limits."

Speeding is set to hit the headlines again, in autumn 2006, when the Government’s new Road Safety Bill finally becomes law. The legislation will introduce a graduated penalty system for speeding, where the number of penalty points incurred more closely reflects the severity of the offence. It will also be made clear that speed camera locators (such as the microGo) that use GPS technology to warn drivers about nearby speed cameras will remain fully legal.

The microGo costs just £199.95 (including VAT). It can be purchased at one of RoadPilot’s UK dealers, online at roadpilot.com.