§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what grants the Department has given to the research and development of Intelligent Speed Adaption Systems; and if he will make a statement. [177992]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Department for Transport has not given any grants for the research and development of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) systems.
Research into ISA is being carried out as part of the Department's managed vehicle safety research programme. The project began in 2001 and is expected to conclude in the autumn of 2006 at a cost of £1,951,525. An advanced digital map supporting the on-road ISA trials is funded by a separate contract at a cost of £158,383.
The main aim of the current project is to study drivers' behavioural adaptation over time. A trial of 20 ISA equipped cars is currently under way in Leeds.
A further project supports the main research and the general development of ISA nationally and internationally by providing expert advice on an ad hoc basis.
The Government currently has no plans to make the use of intelligent speed limiters compulsory. We hope that industry will take up the technology in response to public demand.