Great Britain: Satellites on speeders (Motorcycles' engine to be cut off via satellite - cars next)

The Sun (U.K.) ^ | Aukgust 10, 2006 | GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON

[Stoat]

EXCLUSIVE Satellites on speeders Go slow ... bikers face brake   By GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON Political Editor  SPEEDING bikers are to have their throttles shut down by SATELLITE, it was revealed last night. But motorcycle experts have condemned the spy-in-the-sky move as “lethally dangerous”. Riders breaking the speed limit will receive two warnings before their throttle is cut, leaving them without power. Roads minister Stephen Ladyman — a former boy racer — will endorse the controversial plan today. But one expert who trialled the Intelligent Speed Adaptation bike for the government, warned: “This will have profoundly dangerous consequences.”   Big Brother bid ... Ladyman   Bikers’ engines will be adapted to carry a spy-in-the-sky control. Those who speed will alert satellites, which will send back a warning to the rider. A beep will sound in the helmet before the saddle starts to shake violently. Those who ignore the warnings will have their throttle gradually shut as they ride. Ministers are also planning to use the technology in cars. The move is certain to be condemned by drivers’ groups and even motoring organisations. Experts say it is vital drivers can call on extra power to get OUT of a dangerous situation and the plan may cost lives. The Transport Department last night insisted Mr Ladyman is unlikely to make the ISA bike compulsory.

[Stoat]

See also:

ISA Project

("Intelligent Speed Adaptation")

The ISA Project UK index

[gondramB]

This is insane - the first time they cut the power off and somebody got killed or killed pedestrians, they'd string up the guy who approved it.

[Stoat]

This is insane

Agreed.  Imagine also, if you will, a scenario of a would-be carjacker, rapist or violent stalker who is following a potential victim in a car equipped with this ISA device.  If it becomes compulsory, the criminal KNOWS that the potential victim can't use their car to escape.  A person's automobile has just been eliminated as a mechanism by which you can escape a violent attacker.

[Stoat]

"....the saddle will vibrate violently...."

I'm not going to touch that one (physically OR rhetorically)   :-)

[Thinkin' Gal]

ISA Project

Isa, hmmm... that's the Muslim name for Jesus.

[garylmoore]

Good Idea, I can't stand these speeding, aggressive, noisy vehicles, I emphasize noisy. I know there are some sensible people out there that enjoy bikes, I'm not talking about them I'm talking about the sleazy ones.

[Hunble]

And my wife laughed at me for restoring a 1975 Harley!

[quietolong]

E-tracking, coming to a DMV near you [DOT wants to track your car wherever it goes]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1546825/posts

NHRA News: Legislation threatens vehicle hobby industry
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/592530/posts

[spokeshave]

I can see it now..... a thousand and more bikers riding up the M1.....across the entire motorway....slowly increasing speed........even better if another thousand were coming (no pun intened) in the other direction to get the same cut off point.

Net result...total chaos.

[Hunble]

"I'm not talking about them I'm talking about the sleazy ones."

Twenty years ago, some "sleazy biker" took me home after an evening at the local bar. I never left!

That "sleazy biker" has been the most wonderful wife that I could have ever dreamed of.

We have been married for twenty years now.

P.S.

She is still "sleazy", if she takes enough arthritis medication first. LOL

[Stoat]

Agreed on all points.

In the meantime, I'm sure black market sales of motorcycles bereft of this technology will be very prevalant, along with illegal methods to defeat and override the system.

Unfortunately, these workarounds will be something that many people will not be able to utilize, for one reason or another.  A person who is scrupulously law-abiding but doesn't have the technical expertise to install a black market satellite jammer or an electrical bypass circut will be out of luck when the jammer-equipped thug is following him /her and meaning to do her harm.

 

[BnBlFlag]

G.B. is quickly becoming a Totalitarian Nanny State.

[Dallas59]

[Cyclops08]

Not compulsory...yet.
You know how it goes. Optional this year, compusory next year!

But anyone worth his salt will be able to bypass/remove this technology.

[Zarro]

Good Idea, I can't stand these speeding, aggressive, noisy vehicles, I emphasize noisy. I know there are some sensible people out there that enjoy bikes, I'm not talking about them I'm talking about the sleazy ones.

As a rider, I can tell you that the worst of the speeding and aggressive are on four wheels and typically have a cell phone stuck to their face.

Sleazy ones, indeed.