Speed-limiting devices fitted to cars which could prevent almost a third of injury accidents on the roads will be considered by the Scottish Government early next year.

According to a new study released yesterday by Westminster's transport advisers the voluntary introduction of intelligent speed adaption (ISA) technology, which automatically slows a car down to within the limit for the road on which it is being driven, would bring real benefits including reducing road accidents which result in injuries by 29%.

The report also looked at the impacts on fuel consumption, emissions, noise and road network efficiency and concluded that on 70mph roads adherence to the speed limit could lead to savings of up to 6% in CO2 emissions The Commission for Integrated Transport and its sub-group, the Motorists' Forum, have called on UK ministers to promote a wide introduction of the system.

Neither organisation is recommending the compulsory fitting or usage of ISA but are instead calling for the UK Department for Transport to work with the relevant authorities, organisations and vehicle manufacturers to consider what steps should be taken to support and encourage the future availability of the technology. and to promote its take-up.

The plans come amid speculation the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will soon force motorists to undergo a range of new health checks to determine whether they are fit to drive under what has been billed as the most comprehensive reform of the driving licence system in decades.

The reported move is designed to weed out tens of thousands of motorists, many of whom are elderly, who use cars yet suffer from health conditions such as poor eyesight which could make them a danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians.

The DVLA confirmed a health and driving review' was under way but said the detail was speculation.

Although the legislation relating to speed limits is reserved, certain functions are delegated to Scottish ministers and ISA technologies will be examined as part of a forthcoming strategy due to be published next year.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Inappropriate and excessive speed is a major cause of death and injury on the roads. We are aware of Intelligent Speed Adaptation Systems and will be considering the issue as part of our forthcoming Scottish Road Safety Strategy due to be published in spring 2009.

Sir Trevor Chinn, chairman of the Motorists' Forum, added: "The UK has an enviable record on road safety but we still kill nearly 3000 people on our roads each year.

"The fact that the report is backed by our members, who represent interests across the motoring spectrum, is testimony to the desire of the motoring world to work with government to make our roads even safer."

Ministers would have to help councils draw up digital maps with details of the legal speed on every road.

The speed-limiting devices will then use satellite positioning to check a vehicle's location and when its speed exceeds the limit, power will be reduced and the brakes applied if necessary.

Some companies, including Scottish Gas, already limit their vehicles to 70mph and reported that the system had reduced road incidents for their operations.

But some road safety charities charity believes the devices can be dangerous Claire Armstrong, from Safe Speed, said truck drivers using speed-limiting devices had been shown to "go into fatigue mode or zombie mode" and stopped paying attention to the road.