Exceeding the speed limit on roads is costly and dangerous, so drivers should be pleased to learn that Seat has come up with new technology promising to end the problem of driving too fast.

Using front-mounted cameras which detect roadside speed limit signs, the system slows the vehicle to comply with the regulations automatically. The Dynamic Road Sign Display system is an option on the all-new 2021 Leon hatchback

The new tech goes a step further than onboard navigation systems or pre-adjustable bleepers in many cars which already warn of prevailing speed limits but leave the driver to react. The warning system can also scan school zones and other road signs.

Seat said that in Britain alone the new tech could save drivers up to US$451mil annually in penalty fines.

A survey of 2,000 drivers asked by Seat found that nearly 10% admitted to being caught speeding every year. More than 76% said they were not always aware of the speed at which their car is travelling.

The same figures would probably apply in many other countries and it is odd that not more car manufacturers are offering such useful technology.

Another rare exception is in the United States where the three-row Lincoln Aviator SUV offers road sign recognition as part of the sophisticated Co-Pilot360 Plus assistance suite.

 - dpa