Drivers against remote stopping devices

EU PLANS to introduced remote stopping devices that can be activated by the police in an emergency have been met with concern by drivers.

Under the proposed legislation a six-year timetable for remote stopping devices is planned with the aim of police being able to bring dangerous high-speed car chases to a halt. A device would be fitted to all cars that would allow a central control room to cut the ignition and fuel supply of any vehicle.

The survey commission by Comparethemarket.com revealed that 47% of those polled think that the implementation of the proposal will ‘lead to a Big Brother state’. Almost a third (29%) believe that the device ‘could lead to more accidents than it prevents’, while an alarming 46% fear that the technology has the potential to be abused by the police.

The implementation of the technology also has the potential to affect future car purchases too, as 24% of respondents said it would actively dissuade them from choosing a car that had the device fitted. On the other hand, 48% of drivers stated they would be ‘more likely to support the proposal’ if they had the power to activate it themselves as a security device.

Julie Daniels, Head of Motor Insurance at comparethemarket.com said: “The idea of being able to remotely stop all vehicles would have once been confined to the storyline of a sci-fi movie. However we’re seeing more and more technology developments playing a part in the way we drive vehicles. Our research shows there is still some work to be done before the UK supports remote stopping, with real concern around civil liberties.”

By Press Association reporters