Washington State County Looks to Install Speed-limiting Technology in Government Vehicles

Washington State's King County could soon require certain government vehicles to be equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology. A newly-released feasibility study recommends that all vehicles in King County’s official vehicle fleet use some form of ISA. This would exclude King County Metro buses and vanpools that carry passengers.

The technology being considered for this could potentially have the ability to do the following: 

• Reduce fuel injection
• Require an emergency override
• Provide the driver feedback through a visual or audio signal. 

Creating a Phased Implementation Plan

According to the study, “If ISA is recommended, a phased implementation plan is documented in this report, starting with a pilot program to assess the system’s effectiveness and acceptance." Study notes also added that "Results and scalability could be evaluated, followed by an assessment of qualitative impacts. Vehicles would be prioritized based on suitability, and decisions would be made to refine the implementation plan before expanding it further.”

According to The Urbanist, the county is looking at equipping 96% of its light-duty fleet with mandatory ISA. It was also reported that it would be $1.5 million to install advisory ISA and $2.9 million for mandatory ISA across the entire fleet. Annual operating costs to maintain the systems It would be less than $1 million per yearv for the annual operating cost to maintain the system, according to The Urbanist.

Integrating ISA Technology While Working Toward Electric

The county is working toward a goal to convert 50% of its light-duty fleet to electric vehicles by 2025 and 100% by 2030. According to the report, “It is essential for the Fleet Services Division to maintain focus on the transition to EVs,” the study notes. “It is important to recognize that the integration of ISA technology could introduce complexities and potential impacts on the achievement of EV goals.”

The County Council is expected to make a decision on moving forward with a pilot program in the coming months.