Technology that can read road signs could save UK drivers £327m in speeding fines, according to new research by SEAT.
The study of 2,000 motorists found that nearly 10% admitted to being caught speeding annually, resulting in potentially millions of pounds in fines every year.
Analysis by the Spanish car brand, which also found that over three quarters (76%) of drivers don’t always know what speed they are travelling at, comes following the launch of the all-new SEAT Leon, which features dynamic road sign display technology.
The system, available on all new SEAT models, comprises a front-mounted camera that detects speed limit signs, enabling vehicles to automatically adjust their speed according to the limit in that area. It can also scan school zones and other road signs.
Statistics compiled by the UK Department for Transport show over 50% of cars exceeded the speed limit on 30mph roads, while 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 a similar technology to SEAT’s dynamic road sign display technology on their car if it was available.
Richard Harrison, managing director of SEAT UK, said: “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 already on the market to make drivers safer on the road.”
