Satellite speed-limiter system starts trials
January 9, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
The transport authorities’ obsession with the speeding has taken aa step further. The Victorian Government will soon begin testing a device that can electronically slow a car using satellite technology.
The project is dubbed AISAI, Australasian Intelligent Speed Adaptation Initiative, and will be the first of its kind in Australia.
The first guinea pigs will be Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, a former Victorian coroner plus other Victorian Government ministers and an estimated 45 other participants.
According to the Herald Sun, all state and territory governments as well as New Zealand have been in talks to introduce the system for some time. Depending on results, the project will move to NSW and Western Australia later this year.
The system will cost anywhere between $700 and $2000 per vehicle to install and it is expected to find its way into government fleet cars first.
So how does it work? It’s not that different to your every satellite navigation – only that it interfaces with your car’s electronic systems. It knows where you are and it has a database of all speed limits on Australia roads.
Firstly it works out how fast you’re going by taking an average reading of your changing position divided by time -it then runs the speed past the database to see if you’re breaking the speed limit – then begins the pain.
There are three levels of operation:
- Level one will simply give you an annoying audible warning when you go over the speed limit,
- Level two starts to cut power to the engine to slow you down by force – but can be overridden or ignored,
- Level three is like level two only that the system now overrules you, and won’t allow the car to speed regardless of what colourful words you will use against it.
Queensland transport, which despite a massive surge in speed cameras failed miserably in reducing the state’s road toll last year, has already come out and said the system can reduce serious accidents by an enormous 20 per cent.
But wait, it gets better. The Herald Sun also quoted in its original report that an unnamed Victorian government website has gone even one step further, suggesting that almost 60 per cent of road fatalities can be cut if the system was fitted to all cars.
Previously we would say that the state governments are looking for the cheap way out to fix the road toll epidemic, but this is no cheap option. With the estimated cost of $700-$2000, the money would be far better spent introducing mandatory advanced driver training classes to improve driving skills and reiterating the road rules.
No doubt that if the trial are successful, the system will find its way to everyday cars, perhaps being a mandatory fitting for repeat speeding offenders.
So what do you think? Would you allow your car to be fitted with a big brother style speed limiter?
Print it: 
Oh yes, this’ll be a fun one.
As long as press cars don’t get it, I’m fine with it… :D
Seriously, they’re going to know when I have to overtake that truck, aren’t they? Yeah right.
I would. This is the same as the new GTR. As long as the system knows that we are in the race track, it would disable the limiter.
This would be good if you got shot with a speed camera saying that you’re going over 75 in a 70 zone, while the car is limiting you to 70.
Also good against car theives =D
Karl is the heading a pun?
i think that this is bull, like hell is the gov gonna put one of these on my car i live in the country n when i overtake ppl doin 100km in 110km zone they speed up when im up side em so i hav to plant it to get past safly so i think no way they gonna put this on my car and wat happens if the systems hacked all the cars controlled by the system could be stoped all together there gose transport
Not so great when you need to get out of a dangerous situation that requires a little speed.
Lcat- no, just a typo – fixed.
Alborz…like running away from cops…hehe joking.
If they just put beeps when you’re slightly over then it should be alright I guess. But if you’ll be doing more than 50 over the speed limit, then it should stop you doing that.
Ivan I think 30km/h over the limit it should stop you, but, I still strongly believe the money is far better spent making better drivers, because, speed is not the primary cause of accidents, its lack of driver skill.
If people knew what would happen to their car at high speed when they had to suddenly manoeuvre, they wouldn’t speed to begin with.
The problem is, many drivers have got their license, and have never had to do an emergency braking, let alone a high speed manoeuvre, all these things they teach at advanced driving courses.
Yes finally if this works no one will ever get another speeding ticket again and as the father of a 15 year old young man i would gladly fit our car with a system that will control his testosterone and all the other wreckless drivers that insist on speeding (i include myself at times)
One question though what are these addicted to speed camera revenue state governments going to do to make up for the revenue loss????
Maybe i’m wrong and would like to hear different opinions but it sounds like a win /lose sitiuation….We win peace of mind and the government losses revenue, that to me sounds GREAT!
What a great investment considering ’speed kills’ what, 300ish people annually?
What a joke! Spend the money on hospitals, schools, public transport – or here’s an idea – fixing our sh!t house roads!
Sorry for the rant but gimme a break!
I say bring it on, because by introducing this system and make mandatory on every new car and old car will show these idiots that speed is not always the one to blame.
They will not be able to complain or blame every accident on on speed. End result no more money for state and federal governments.
Im sure the idea will be quickly reversed…
The possibility to sue the government will also be greater because you can always blame the device did not allow you to avoid a dangerous situation.
can’t wait…
I will take great pleasure in disabling it.
It’s true that advanced driving course is great. I’ve done the level 3 defensive driving and i learned quite a lot in there. They teach you how to think and concentrate while driving, predicting all pedestrian and vehicle movement.
You have to use your brain and distractions like people talking (or my wife nagging) besides me, phone calls etc are unacceptable.
Some people doesn’t even know that with ABS cars, most often the break pedals vibrate when it’s activated. People think the break is broken and let go, thus having an accident. They should teach all this to all drivers.
Satellite limiters should be a secondary measure after the Advance Driving Course.
Oh, i want to attach one to my dog, so it looks like I’m doing burnouts in my backyard at odd hours of the day and night.
Wont stop Drink Driving
Wont; stop Drug Driving
Won’t stope Driver fatigue
Won’t stop Driver inattention
Wont Stop a Driver running a red
Won’t stop a phone call
Won’t stop drivers who shouldve been stopped from getting their licence
Won’t stop it raining
Won’t stop bald tyres
May stop 5% of Accidents that are primarily caused by speed.
Will stop huge government revenue
Will probably reduce already reduced Highway patrols
Spend the money on fixing roads and blackspots, driver education from an early age, advanced driver training and of course other public infrastructure like hospitals etc. Strewth….
And lets say it costs $1000/car to install – 1 million new cars last year $1,000,000,000..and re-tro fitting?
Will the system work on motorbikes? Or will they still get the free ride we all want too :)
What happens when you drive through a tunnel, CBD or heavily forested area? Will the system default back to 50 or 60 kmh and beep at you constantly? GPS does not have 100% coverage, even a light covering of trees can degrade the signal enough to lose signal.
I agree. If this goes ahead it will certainly give some state goverments red faces if this doesn’t reduce the ever increasing road toll.
Would that mean that politicians will have to admit that speed isn’t the biggest casue of accidents? and they may have to start spending money where it counts like many have said already, driver education and safer roads?
Speed cameras don’t work, yet they continue to push that mantra.
there is no way I would allow one of these systems to be attached to my car. I would pay someone to develop an ‘over-ride’ chip to disable the system or at the worst, go find a nice 70’s muscle car with a carby and no electronics whats-so-ever and enjoy a drive completely free of any government nanny comtrol.
Anyone seen DEMOLITION MAN with Sylvestor Stallone?? That is the world we are heading for with this sort of control!!!
Targeting all is unfair.But I think the government is possibly scared that no headway is being made to reduce the number of deaths & we are in danger of going backwards.
There is a complacency on the roads that can’t be denied,some believe that the technology on todays cars will keep us out of trouble this is naive.
I would rather see the system target the chronic traffic offender,the unlicenced driver,the monitoring of driver breaks,(something went terribly wrong on Newell Hwy this morning between 2 B DBLS),the right hand lane hog & those that can’t keep a constant speed.
I think you will find it will increase revenues, the govt will make it mandatory on all cars, it will come attached to your rego bill, similar to a “GST” probably somwhere between 10 -20% and make no mistake you will pay it forever.
^ David can i add 1 to ur list – tailgaters (pet hate)
Wont even find ToyotaPaul LOL
This would cause accidents itself.
Any drive knowns there are times where you simply need the extra speed.
I’m sure everyone has accelerated away from something like a red light camera or a potential accident.
Maybe giving an extra 10km/h or something on top of the speed limit would be fine.
I like the Satnav & speed zone feature as an information source, and I think this alone would potentially be cheap, useful & informative..
I cannot see how the throttle (speed) control is ’safely’ possible without full fly-by-wire engine control. It would have to be full ‘closed loop’ electronics/actuators.
This limits its installation to pretty much brand-new
cars.. no good in the real, public/private world.
I can see fleet operators using it, though..!
Cheers,
IceB
Communism is almost here…..can’t wait until the Government can even think, eat, sleep and pee for me!
Over-Governed…TOO RIGHT!
Westy
well well well suprise suprise… the government begins the trial on their fleet hmmm why would that be hmmm??? maybe trying to save some red faces regarding speeding public servants i think highly likely!!! I think its a great idea in fact if the boffins got really smart the system could percept other road vehicles (or lack there of) and remove the need for speed limits all together. The system could then allow the car to travel at a safe speed whether that be 130 0r 90 on the highway for example and then we’d all be happy!!!
Will the second hand car prices rise if all new cars are fitted with these in the future.
I think its inevitable….
What really amazes me that complete lack of an annual roadworthy in Victoria. There’s got to be thousands of dodgy un-serviced old, crap, dangerous cars on the roads. Its ridiculous that you could buy and run a cars and simply never get it repaired. Insisting on a roadworthy on these heaps would solve a lot of accidents.
Agree with the points made by No Name, Falcon Crazy etc.
The only way to deal with the road toll is police actively enforcing the law 24/7 on our roads.
I will not buy a car that is fitted with such a device & will vote out any government that even suggests that I should!
I’ll happily take it on my car if it means that Toyotas have a reverse-polairty switch FORCING them to all DO the speed limit and not 20 below.
Seriously though, I’d hate it on my car but for those who’ve had licences suspended or for repeat offenders, it’d be an idea similar to putting breath-interlocks on their cars. If you prove you’re a moron and can’t control your right foot, you get speed limited. Fair’s fair.
what happens when u get into an accident. can we sue the company or agency that proposed this device.
say i got into an accident while travelling at 60kmh. if i had travelled at 70kmh then i wouldnt be in an accident.
i think this money should be spent fighting crime and installing gps microchips in murderers and thieves.
Its another rash concept from Australia. We are so obsess with limiting speed.
Speed, as someone pointed out is not the killer..
its Bad Driving.
Young “P” platers showing off to their mates, driving eratically, criss crossing around on the high way.
Ultimately Australian roads will become fully automated where cars will be driven by systems/auto-drivers.
How about spending the money on teaching young drivers better skills and knowledge… “P” platers should all be driving “under powered” cars period. If I was an 18 year old I would be against it… but since I am.. I see its advantages.
Drink driving too… spend more funding on systems that prevent drunk drivers from accessing their cars…
Heck.. reset the entire Australian Road system and opt for more trains and public transport… because its pretty much what Australia should be doing looking at the costs of driving and maintaining cars. Not to mention Sydney and Melbourne have a HUGE problem in terms of traffic in the next 5-10 years… Monumental screw up and underestimation by road/traffic designers.
Anyone else heard the saying that goes a little like “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people…” The same applies with speeding. You can take the speed out of the car, but you can’t take the idiot out of the person… No matter what the authorities do, someone will find some other way to hurt themselves and others using their car (or someone elses).
All this shows is that we’re taking another step closer to being totally controlled by the worlds governing institutions and eventually a total breakdown of society.
I agree totally with Matt.
I also think that the second hand car market will boom when new ones have these installed. :p
On the positive side, at least you can’t get a speeding ticket. The negative side? You’ll be stuck behind that Lorry all the way from Sydney to Newcastle. FUN!
First pint is on me to the first person who posts how to disable this.
I am continuously amazed at the creative ways government assholes come up with to justify their jobs.
I agree with Bob about the “reverse-polarity switch forcing them all to DO the speed limit and not 20 below.” I might actually *support* that initiative! :-)
I think you would find that more often than not its the drivers who speed (whether or not they have done a driver course) that will respond quicker and safer in an emergence situation.
If you put a driver that constantly travels 10k under the limit, stops at round abouts and give way signs, has never been booked for anything and think they are the safest drivers on the road would be the first to do something wrong in an emergency, purely due to the fact that they would be unaware of that capabilities of their vehicle, panic and more than likely be the cause of the accident.
For those of you that travel a little faster than allowed, you would come across a situation regularly where evasive action must be taken quickly because the moron in front of you changed into your lane in front of you without really assessing how fast you are coming up behind them.
How hard is it to disable a satellite?
“It knows where you are and it has a database of all speed limits on Australia roads.”
Go ask the CFA volunteers about the government knowing where roads are and where people live, and they’ll not trust it.
Have you ever followed a satnav to the exact letter?
We did the other day and were told to take a left hand turn over the Hume Weir.
Having some other “entity” controlling the vehicle is not on.
I can just see some cars going 100km in a 60 zone and taking it to court saying “your system said I could … it’s in control of the car”, conversely doing 40km on a 110km freeway.
There are more productive ways of lowering the road toll and accidents.
If this isn’t the ultimate “Big Brother” I don’t know what is. The ramifications of applying such technology are immense.
It is ALL based on the premise that “speed kills” and which simplistic notion parallels “criminals have guns, therefore those who have guns are criminals”.
We have of course all seen the promises made by the former PM and those who fed off him come to fruition. Just look at the crime, homicide and suicide stats – after wasting a BILLION dollars on two gun confiscations, they continue to rise. But we are told that we are ’safer’.
This is all about people control. It has nothing to do with safety and all to do with empowering already bloated government. We (the sheep) are constantly shepherded into ’safety’, and all because we can’t be trusted.
“Speed Kills” is a digestable one liner justification for whatever ‘authority’ or politcal transient to do anything. Blanket rules are applied to cover ALL situations, so we suffer all too often unrealistic low speed restrictions.
Remember – We vote for these bastards to be just so concerned about us and ever willing to ‘make us safer’.
Why then is it that I am one of many who don’t give a stuff about their safety? In fact, I wish the meddling mongrels would die painful deaths and leave the responsible majority of us alone to decide for ourselves what is appropriate for the current conditions.
Pink Floyd said it right: “Welcome to the machine” for you are “Another brick in the wall”
Peter Cunningham
Well i can tell ya straight up right now! There is hackers already looking at this! There is no way they could make it hack proof,They cant even hack proof software so there is no way they’ll hack proof this!
It will be hacked within a couple of weeks after it’s release and the hacking tools plastered all over the net hahahahahah.
They wanna stop ppl from smoking in cars,they want to control how you drive your car, Christ what next? Oh i know they’ll stop us from drinking alcohol,then they’ll stop us from kissing in public, Then we wont be alowed after 9pm, them we’ll be told what we can and cant watch on tv!
For frig sake i wish ppl would stand up to the gov this is just plain outright deprivation of liberty!
This system described is stupid and over expensive
The existing infrastructure is sufficient to implement this technology now, with the help of a device connected to a vehicle’s computer. If they wanted to add localised emitters (about $50) worth placed in speed zones can communicate with a very simple sensors connected to the vehicle’s computers. Already gps navigation systems warn taxi drivers (I saw it in action the other day) of speed zones and hazards, as well as traffic blockages and alternate routes. I am sick of tax payers being ripped off by con-man engineers who talk crap- they are just trying to make a buck- SAFETY SHOULD BE HERE NOW, CHEAP & ACCESSIBLE. There is no risk of hacking because existing satellite signals, mobile towers etc… can be used as navigation references/points. Theinternal computer in a car is hack proof because it is a localised closed system. Don’t these clown engineers have common sense. They rip the government off with spped cameras (sorry the friend of a friend who works on designing them), these can be beaten easily- and the people who generally speed are the ones who beat these cameras.
If a system costs more than $50 per unit and part of this is integrated in the car cost per legislation, the technology is free. Ultimately cars are dangerous, they should never have been invented the way they were, It should be the car companies responsibility to make them safe. It is so easy for a car to have an accident, there are so many ridiculous safety faults such as blind spots, inability of a driver to judge distances correctly by the design of the car, poor angles of lights, (even the best Eurpean cars fog up at times, I could go on and on, but I don’t hear these issues being brought up. I mean there are safety guide lines, but the engineers who make them must be brain dead ! I have driven so many cars and why do they still have blind spots ?? We’ve been making cars for how long.
Given speed isn’t the issue as has been shown statistically, what is the government going to do about loosening up road laws, fines and speed cameras to bring the freedom, joy and friendliness back to driving ? And what is the government going to do about safety. I had a clown try to run me off the road for about 20 km in Gippsland a few years ago. He tail gated me, tried to bang into me side on, braked dramatically in front of me. I told the police about this in gippsland, and also on the way back, but did the police do anything NO ! They didn’t note the description of the vehicle or the number plate I gave them or the details of the incidents. Why I have no faith in Victoria Police, especially the traffic mob. If I didn’t have a good spec car with terrific breaking, I think I would be another road toll statistic. I am gettign sick of injustice in this state and especially oppressive road law. As was revealed in the Moreland newspaper recently, less parking fines means money has to be raised in other ways. Well people are always happy to pay for good transparent service, that they clearly see, that improves their lives. Mybe add a bit of that instead of oppressive fines and law and rules, which just make us mad, righteously mad.
As I was taught in grade 2 at school by a cool teacher with a funny name: Mr Hornyblow “prevention always better than cure !” maybe some of these pollies need to go back to primary school- oh but that’s right they were too busy bullying other kids and probably dobbing in kids for things they themselves had done, they certainly enjoy doing it to motorists.