Ford to launch hands-free model in UK — but motorists will need keep their eye on the road
The UK has become the first country in Europe to approve a hands-free driving car for use on motorways.
Ford has been granted permission to launch its BlueCruise system which allows “hands-off, eyes-on driving” on the 2,300-mile motorway network in England, Scotland and Wales.
The system is able to monitor road markings, speed signs and traffic conditions and control the vehicle’s steering, acceleration and lane positioning. It allows the car to maintain a safe distance to the vehicles ahead and automatically slows the vehicle in traffic. It is able to come to a complete stop in a traffic jam.
The technology comes as standard on the latest 2023 model of Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, although owners are required to pay a monthly £17.99 subscription to activate it. The company has plans to include the technology on earlier models of the car later in the year, with a remote “over-the-air” update.
Ministers decided to approve the company’s technology after more than a year of discussion and more than 100,000 miles of testing on European roads.
“It is great news that Ford has chosen us for the European launch of its BlueCruise technology, and I am delighted that this country is once more at the forefront of innovation,” said Jesse Norman, the transport minister.
“The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error.”
The UK’s decision follows a similar approval by officials in the US and Canada last year. More than 193,000 drivers are using the system there and have covered more than 64 million miles, without accident, according to the company.
The car is equipped with sensors that constantly monitor the driver’s eyes to ensure they are on the road. If a driver becomes distracted, an alarm sounds and the car slightly taps the brakes to shake the driver. Ignore the warnings and the car will slow to a halt with hazard warning lights flashing to warn other motorists.
Martin Sander, general manager of Ford’s electric division in Europe, said: “It’s not every day that you can say you’ve placed one foot in the future, but Ford BlueCruise becoming the first hands-free driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in a European country is a significant step forward for our industry.”
The system is classed as an “advanced driver-assistance system” and is graded as “level two” automation according to SAE International. Under its scale there are six levels of automation ranging from zero (fully manual) to five (fully autonomous).
The car has a failsafe system that checks if the driver is paying attention, and stops if it thinks the situation is unsafe
It is hoped that the introduction of driverless technology will improve road safety. Human error is a contributory factor in 88 per cent of recorded road accidents.
Ford’s BlueCruise system allows the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 80mph, although the car will not exceed the 70mph speed limit on UK motorways.
The next-generation of automation, level three, will enable cars to carry out most tasks although human override is still required. In level four the car will carry out all driving tasks in a geofenced area, with human override an option. At full level five automation no human attention or interaction is required, paving the way for motorists to be able to sleep on journeys.
The latest Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, which is fully-electric with a range of 202-273 miles, costs from £50,830.
Source: The Times
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