New technology developed by SEAT that can read road signs could save drivers £327m* (US$452m) in speeding fines, according to new research by the Spanish auto maker. (*£100 (US$138) for an SP30 speeding offense x 10% of 32.7 million licensed drivers in England alone = £327m.)
The study of 2,000 UK motorists found that every year nearly 10% were caught speeding, resulting in potentially millions of pounds in fines annually. Analysis by SEAT also found that over three quarters (76%) of drivers don’t always know what speed they are traveling at.
SEAT’s Dynamic Road Sign Display technology helps drivers stick to the speed limit and is especially useful in areas with changeable limits. Using a front-mounted camera to detect speed limit signs, the latest SEAT models can automatically adjust their speed according to the limit in that area. The camera will also scan school zones and other road signs.
Statistics compiled by the Department for Transport (DfT) show that over 50% of cars exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads and 47% of cars broke the limit on motorways in 2020.
With SEAT’s own research revealing the high number of motorists caught every year, around 40% of drivers said they would want something similar to SEAT’s Dynamic Road Sign Display technology on their car if it were available.
As motorists return to the roads after lockdown, the lack of recent experience behind the wheel could mean drivers are less confident, making the technology even more important in helping to reduce speeds according to local limits, as well as minimizing potential fines.
“It’s certainly eye-opening to see that significant numbers of motorists aren’t necessarily always aware of their own speeds, but thankfully there is in-car technology – like our Dynamic Road Sign Display – already on the market to make drivers safer on the road,” commented Richard Harrison, managing director of SEAT UK. 