News - BMW

BMW tests speed limit display in Australia

Heads-up: A roadwork speed limit is displayed on the windscreen alongside the car’s actual speed.

Camera-based system to keep driver posted of permanent and temporary speed limits

2 July 2009

By DAVID HASSALL

BMW engineers are on their way to Australia for local testing of the company’s innovative speed limit display, which can read speed limit signposts and variable speed limit signs.

The system was recently introduced in Europe on the 7 Series and is now closer to introduction in Australia, where it should be especially useful given our proliferation of speed zones and heavy policing.

BMW’s system uses a camera fitted near the interior mirror to “read” metal or digital speed limit signs – even those used for roadworks – and displays the information on the instrument cluster, or in the head-up display on the car’s windscreen.

However, it does not intervene in the control of the vehicle or its speed in any way, leaving that responsibility with the driver.

Tom Noble, BMW Australia’s general manager of marketing, said the system provided superior data to that saved in the navigation system because it accounts for variable and temporary limits.

“The new BMW Speed Limit Display will significantly reduce the risk of drivers exceeding the speed limit by mistake, especially on roads with multiple speed zones,” said Mr Noble.

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