http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/26/1077676900598.html
Disputing a speed-camera fine could soon be a thing of the past. Today, Toyota will unveil a car that takes away the guesswork when it comes to identifying the leadfoot in the family.
Finding the rightful recipient of the ticket could be as simple as sliding in a mobile phone-style SIM-card instead of a key. The card would contain details of the driver's licence and address.
Wireless technology would allow the car to communicate with the speed camera, and the fine could be deducted from the driver's credit card before he or she even made it home. But would anyone buy such a car?
At the moment, NSW law requires motorists who dispute a speed-camera fine to sign a statutory declaration that the driver was not the registered owner. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some motorists "share" their points with family members who may be reaching their demerit points limit.
There would be no such loophole with the Sportivo Coupe - if it were to be sold in showrooms. It is what the industry refers to as a concept car - a design tease for the Melbourne Motor Show, which opens today.
But its telematics systems are no trivial matter, according to the project manager, Paul Beranger.
"Telematics are going to be a part of our future, whether we like it or not," he said.
The smart card would not only open the doors for an authorised driver, but also set an individual's driving position, favourite radio stations and phone numbers.
Depending on the driver's experience and grade of licence, the card could control the engine power. And each driver's licence number could be displayed on the car's exterior instead of a number- plate.
As well, the car's electronic speedometer relies on signals from speed advisory signs to display the speed limit inside the car. The speedo dial reconfigures itself so that the prevailing limit sits at the easy-to-read 12 o'clock position.
Disputing a speed-camera fine could soon be a thing of the past. Today, Toyota will unveil a car that takes away the guesswork when it comes to identifying the leadfoot in the family.
Finding the rightful recipient of the ticket could be as simple as sliding in a mobile phone-style SIM-card instead of a key. The card would contain details of the driver's licence and address.
Wireless technology would allow the car to communicate with the speed camera, and the fine could be deducted from the driver's credit card before he or she even made it home. But would anyone buy such a car?
At the moment, NSW law requires motorists who dispute a speed-camera fine to sign a statutory declaration that the driver was not the registered owner. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some motorists "share" their points with family members who may be reaching their demerit points limit.
There would be no such loophole with the Sportivo Coupe - if it were to be sold in showrooms. It is what the industry refers to as a concept car - a design tease for the Melbourne Motor Show, which opens today.
But its telematics systems are no trivial matter, according to the project manager, Paul Beranger.
"Telematics are going to be a part of our future, whether we like it or not," he said.
The smart card would not only open the doors for an authorised driver, but also set an individual's driving position, favourite radio stations and phone numbers.
Depending on the driver's experience and grade of licence, the card could control the engine power. And each driver's licence number could be displayed on the car's exterior instead of a number- plate.
As well, the car's electronic speedometer relies on signals from speed advisory signs to display the speed limit inside the car. The speedo dial reconfigures itself so that the prevailing limit sits at the easy-to-read 12 o'clock position.