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| UK plans national digital databaseof speed limits.
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12/8/04 |
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A digital database of speed limits designed to allow the deployment of a range of interactive telematic services is in the early stages of consideration by the UK's Department for Transport (DfT).
The proposed database would replace the current, fragmented, paper-based record of statutary speed limits maintained by local authorities and would allow for its use in interactive vehicle/highway and navigation systems. It is also the first pre-requisite of an intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) application.
"There are a range of benefits that would come from the creation of such a database," said a DfT spokesman, "including its application to ISA. In the longer term, an accurate database might allow us to dispense with roadside signs and create variable speed limits to suit local conditions. It would also mean that drivers could automatically be advised of a safe driving speed on the approaches to bends or other road hazards. We have no plans to use the database within any ISA application."
Despite this denial, the DfT is funding ISA trials being carried out jointly by the University of Leeds and the Motor Industry Research Association.
"When the trials were initially set up," said an inside source, "we had to create our own digital maps and enter the relevant speed limits from information stored in metal filing cabinets in dusty offices. There is no question but that this database would be essential if the decision were ever to be made to introduce ISA."
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