Satellite system on the right tracking

A revolutionary system has been designed to stop drivers from speeding called the Intelligent Speed Adaptation System.

Developed by Professor Oliver Carsten, of Leeds University, the system is being considered by all state and territory governments.

The ISAS is designed to slash the death toll on roads by forcing drivers to stick to the speed limit and can be fitted to cars in three ways.

A global-positioning system is linked to a car's engine via computer, where a digital road map programmed into the computer allows satellites to track where the car is driving and what speed zone it's in.

If the driver tries to exceed that speed limit, a warning bell rings.

Or a satellite can activate a device that will cut back fuel to the engine, reducing the car's speed if a driver goes too fast.

A driver will be able to turn the system off to go above the speed limit in case of emergency, but the authorities will be informed and the driver will have to explain what happened.

But the third system cannot be overridden.

Under plans being considered by the governments, the technology will only be used by drivers with a history of speeding.

The invention's creators said the real benefits are only achieved if a device is fitted to every car in the country, at a cost of between $700 and $2,000 dollars for each vehicle.

The former superintendent of traffic for Victoria Police, David Axup, was responsible for the introduction of speed cameras to Victoria.

He has concerns that the technology may be adapted so that police can gather information on drivers speeds from a remote location.

"Different to a camera, because a camera is a personal thing. But we're talking about somebody sitting back and watching your behaviour," he said.

He said if the technology ends up as a revenue raising exercise, police won't have been the cause.

"Enforcement people don't see things in terms of revenue, they see things in terms of outcomes with regard to road casualties.

"But governments do. Governments frequently see things in terms of revenue and the bottom line," he said.