Ford launches UK's first hands-free car

Autonomous driving technology will be available to owners of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. Photo: Ford

For the first time on British roads, drivers will be able to legally let go of the steering wheel after Ford introduced a hands-free system into its electric vehicles.

The Ministry of Transport approved the US giant's «BlueCruise» system, which automatically regulates speed, turns around corners and brakes when driving on motorways — although the car will warn drivers if they get distracted from the road and overtaking is prohibited.

BlueCruise will only operate on motorways in England, Wales and Scotland, using location sensors to register when the car is on approved roads.

Once enabled, the system will drive at speeds up to 120 km/h, using radar and cameras to adjust speed and change lane position.

The system will be able to adapt to variable speed limits and stop in traffic jams. It can adjust its position in a lane, such as when a large vehicle passes, but it cannot change lanes.

BlueCruise will use an infrared camera to help drivers pay attention to the road. Photo: Ford

Drivers will be monitored with an infrared camera to make sure they are still paying attention to the road, and the system will display warning messages and beeps before slowing down the vehicle if it thinks the driver is distracted.

Drivers. it is not legal to use a cell phone or otherwise distract from the road.

Ford said it had conducted 100,000 miles of testing that showed the system was capable of working with worn markings. , roadworks and bad weather are the main reasons to drive in the UK.

Access to the service will cost £17.99 per month and will only be available to Mustang Mach-E owners at the moment.

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This announcement is expected to generate a stir among users. — free driving systems in Britain, which are a key step towards fully self-driving cars. Toyota, Nissan and BMW have unveiled plans to introduce their own hands-free features.

Driver assistance software such as Tesla Autopilot already exists in the UK but requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

Jesse Norman, Secretary of State for Transport, said: «It's great news that Ford has chosen the UK for its European launch of its BlueCruise technology and I'm delighted that the country is once again at the forefront of innovation.»

< p>“The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also make roads safer by reducing the chance of driver error.”

Ford Hands Free

Motorists using BlueCruise will continue to be held accountable in the event of an accident, and Ford states that the driver legally retains control of the vehicle. The company claimed to have driven 64 million miles without incident using the software in the US.

The system can only be activated on 2,300 miles of designated Blue Zones, representing almost all motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

Motorists will again be asked to take control of the steering wheel when exiting the motorway.

The system is only available on the 2023 Mustang Mach. -E is an electric SUV that costs £50,830 and up. Ford said owners will get 90 days free when buying a car and then have to pay £17.99 a month for an upgrade.

Ford launched the system after securing the UK's exemption from UN road rules that require drivers. keep your hands on the wheel at all times.

The rules are expected to be amended next year to allow multiple manufacturers to run hands-free systems.

Ford said it had spent many hours testing with the Department of Transportation. and the Vehicle Certification Agency before obtaining approval.