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Successful TfL speed limit technology trial set to make London's buses safer

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the completion of trials involving technology that aims to make the capital’s roads safer by controlling the speed of London buses.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, developed by Oxfordshire-based firm Zeta Automotive, was successfully tested on two routes; route 19 from Battersea to Finsbury Park and Route 486 from North Greenwich to Bexleyheath.

The technology works in conjunction with TfL’s Digital Speed Limit Map of London to prevent buses from accelerating over speed limits.

Trials began last Autumn and have been hailed a major success by TfL, who claim that buses fitted with ISA remained within the speed limit 97-99% of the time.

So impressed have TfL been with the successful trials that London’s transport body will now roll out the technology on all new buses starting next year.

Isabel Dedring, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “We’re determined to continually advance safety on our bus network and that’s why last month the Mayor launched a world-leading programme specially designed to drive forward major improvements.

“The use of this cutting-edge technology is just one example of how we are harnessing the latest technology to reduce the number of fatal and serious injuries on London’s roads.”

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, added: “We’re investigating a range of new technologies that can make our bus network the safest in the world.

“These trials have proven that speed limiting technology can contribute to safer roads and streets.

“We’ll now work with manufacturers so that all buses coming off the production line can be fitted with the technology from next year.”