A new GPS based system being developed by the Motor Industry Research Association in conjunction with the U.K. Department for Transport may put an end to the days of speeding. Known as the Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), the system uses GPS mapping to locate a driver’s position and then determines the posted speed limit for the particular section of road. If a driver continues to break the speed limit the system can automatically apply the car’s brakes.

Last week a trial of the system was demonstrated with a rider on a motorbike. When the speed limit was exceeded a warning bell would beep. When the rider continued over the limit the bike’s seat started to vibrate. Finally, with the second warning ignored, the system automatically applied the brakes bringing the bike to within the posted limit.

Critics of the system argue that in certain circumstances it’s vital to be able to go past the limit such as in emergency situations.