Just under half of motorists think plans to make speed limiters mandatory are a bad idea, research from CLM Fleet Management has found.

In March, the European Commission provisionally agreed to make it compulsory for all new cars to be fitted with the technology in Europe from 2022 to reduce the number of road casualties.

However, CLM Fleet Management’s survey, which asked almost 300 UK motorists about Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, found just 45% felt ISA would have ‘a positive road safety benefit’.

The research found opposition to the technology is driven by concerns over the devices’ intrusive nature and their actual utility.

Nearly six in 10 (57%) of respondents thought the limiters were excessively controlling, while 68% expected drivers to turn them off for every journey.

John Lawrence, managing director at CLM Fleet Management, said: “ISA has some clear benefits, not only from a safety perspective, but also when it comes to licence preservation.

“The technology can pick up accurate speed limits, potentially reducing speeding fines and penalties.

“This could be good news for the ‘road warrior’ community who are completely reliant on having their licences intact to make a living.

“However, for fleet managers looking to implement the technology our findings suggest it could be a difficult path ahead.

“Forcing the technology on drivers could prompt a backlash and damage fleet engagement.

“If this technology is to be successful, firms should consider a period of driver communication and consultation.

“This will allow them to both understand concerns and promote the potential benefits of ISA.”