The technology uses the GPS to detect areas where the speed limit is lower, such as school zones
Drivers will be able to override the system if they need to drive faster than the limit
New zones can be added by the driver
Ford is working on a new technology in Europe that is designed to help drivers avoid speeding by using the GPS to determine the local speed limit.
Engineers from Ford in Germany are currently testing this technology called Geofencing Speed Limit Control on two E-Transit electric vans.
The goal of the system is to make roads safer and to help the driver avoid fines caused by inadvertent speeding.
Unlike the current technology that allows cars to detect road signs and display the speed limit on the dashboard, this system uses the GPS to determine the position of the vehicle on the road network, which is divided into virtual speed zones.
This has the advantage of working even if the road sign is missing or damaged, as well as letting the vehicle know the appropriate speed on a new road immediately, eliminating the guess work that is sometimes necessary until a road sign has been encountered.
This means that upon entering a new speed zone, the vehicle will automatically match its speed to the limit in the area. This is particularly useful when driving on a road where the limit changes often or when driving around schools.
This system will not completely take away the driver’s control over their vehicle’s speed however, since Ford says drivers will be able to override the technology at anytime.
In addition, drivers who rely on this system to make sure they are always driving at the correct speed will be able to setup their own speed zones which will be recognise by the vehicle just like the pre-determined ones.
This technology is currently only being tested in Europe, but there is a possibility that it will make its way to North America if the tests are conclusive.
