London may soon have thousands of council vehicles, buses and taxis on its road using new technology which prevents them from speeding.

The Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) device is to be piloted by Transport for London (TfL) for six months on some of its vehicles this summer, and if successful will be rolled out and more widely used next year.

Estimates indicate that bus accidents and road accidents involving black cabs and other council vehicles could be reduced by up to 10% using the new technology.

ISA will also cut fuel consumption, which is not only good for the environment but will also save on fuel costs, and it is believed it will also reduce traffic congestion.

Drivers using ISA will have the option to have it stop them speeding and control the vehicles speed so it does not break the speed limit, or just have it in advisory mode which will inform the driver if they are speeding.

ISA technology works by satellite tracking, and the use of digital maps which know the local speed limits and are able to relay this information back to vehicles equipped with the ISA system.

The cost of equipping vehicles with ISA will be around £500, which is a small amount if it reduces road accidents causing fatalities or serious injuries.

The new technology will also help drivers avoid penalties for speeding, and if it is a success could be adopted all over the UK.