The Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) - of which CompleteCar.ie founders Shane O' Donoghue and Paddy Comyn are members - will hold its annual Automotive Forum on Monday, September 20. This year's debate will focus on whether there is too much technology on the roads and in our cars, dictating the way we drive.
Every day, more traffic lights and road signs are erected to regulate our movement in cities. At the same time advances in car technology mean safety is being increasingly entrusted to in-car computers. Is too much responsibility being taken from the driver? Can less be more?
These questions will be debated at the forum, which is sponsored by Semperit Tyres and will take place at Newman House on St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. The debate is open to the public.
Expert speaker at the forum will be Ben Hamilton-Baillie, a leading proponent of "Naked Streets", an approach to urban design which involves ridding streets of traffic lights, road signs and markings.
Mr. Hamilton-Baillie has provided urban design consultancy to a number of Irish local authorities including Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Donegal. Also speaking will be James Remfrey, Technology Intelligence, Systems & Technology from Continental's Chassis & Safety Division, who will provide an insight into how car technology is likely to support the role of the driver now and in the future.
"As drivers, we are often critical of what appears to be excessive use of road signs and lights to control our movements," says Martin Brennan, Vice-Chairman of the IMWA.
"Our keynote speaker will propose a radical alternative to this approach, which has brought safety and quality of life benefits in other countries. It should be compelling listening for anyone involved in road safety or urban road engineering."
"It seems nearly every new car on the market brings with it novel safety advances", adds Paddy Murphy of Semperit Ireland.
"We often wonder where technology is going to take us in 5 or 10 years, so this forum should provide a fascinating insight."
The event is aimed at a broad number of audiences including local authorities, road safety groups, architectural and town planning interests, and companies from the motoring field. Admission is free but advance registration is required.
For further information email Dawn Burke at: dburke@cullencommunications.ie.