Ford reveals new technology that can automatically prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits.

FORD HAS debuted new technology on the S-Max (not available in Australia) that it says can automatically prevent prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits. Ford’s Intelligent Speed Limiter ensures the maximum speed is always adjusted to remain within changing speed limits.

“Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only becoming aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement,” said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe. “Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit.”

Drivers activate Intelligent Speed Limiter via steering wheel controls to set a maximum vehicle speed. The system uses a windscreen-mounted camera to monitor road signs and when the speed limit is lower than that maximum set speed, ISL slows the vehicle as required. As the speed limit rises, the system allows the driver to accelerate up to the set speed, providing it does not exceed the new speed limit.

Intelligent Speed Limiter combines current Ford technologies, including Adjustable Speed Limiter, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which are both already available on models including Focus, all-new Mondeo, and Kuga SUV.

Effective at speeds of 32-192km/h, Intelligent Speed Limiter ensures smooth deceleration by restricting the fuel supplied to the engine, rather than applying the brakes. If the car starts to runaway downhill causing the vehicle to exceed the specified speed an alarm is sounded.

Intelligent Speed Limiter also communicates with the onboard navigation system to help accurately maintain the appropriate maximum speed when distances between speed limit signs are greater, for example on long country roads. Drivers can temporarily override the system by firmly depressing the accelerator pedal.

There’s no word yet on when this technology will be available in other Ford product.