Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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453. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the introduction of intelligent speed apparatus (details supplied); his views on such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15290/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a provisional political agreement on a number of proposed amendments to the General Safety Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 661/2009). The proposed amendments will introduce a number of safety systems that will become mandatory for the manufacturing of new vehicles. The majority of these improvements will come into effect from 2022.

I favour these proposals as they will make our roads safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. As the Deputy will be aware, road safety has been a priority for me as Minister, and therefore I welcome the proposed changes and indeed any change that makes our roads a safer place for all.

The mandatory use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems for new vehicles is one element of the proposals and this system will alert motorists who drive over the speed limit and consequently should encourage drivers to stay within the proper designated speed limit. Although the design and intended operation of the system has not yet been agreed upon, the ISA system will not physically limit the speed of a vehicle as reported in some parts of the media recently.