Ford has today launched a new hands-free driving feature that’s the first of its kind in the UK after being given the green light by the government.
The brand’s BlueCruise system is now available on the £51,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and facilitates drivers taking their hands off the wheel to allow the vehicle to steer itself as well as accelerate and slow down.
It is the first ‘partial automation’ assisted driving feature legally passed for use on roads in Europe, having received approval from the Department for Transport.
However, it has built in restrictions to ensure drivers don’t abuse the system; geofencing technology means it can only be activated when the car is driven on motorways and cameras in the cabin scan the user to make sure they are paying attention at all times and will brake the vehicle automatically if they fail to take back control.
Ford’s ‘hands-free’ driving feature gets green light in the UK: The US brand has this morning announced its BlueCruise assisted driving system has received Government approval and can be used on 2,300 miles of Britain’s motorways
BlueCruise is the first ‘hands off, eyes on’ Level 2 automated system to officially received approval from the Government for use in the UK.
It can legally be activated on 2,300 miles of motorways across England, Scotland and Wales – and that includes the busy M25 and M4.
Unveiling the feature today, Ford Europe’s general manager, Martin Sander, 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 Europe is a significant step forward for our industry.
‘Modern highways can be demanding even for the most confident drivers, and intimidating for many. BlueCruise can do some of the “heavy lifting”, to make highway driving less of a chore, and give drivers that little extra confidence and convenience.’
![The tech can legally be activated on 2,300 miles of motorways across England, Scotland and Wales - and that includes the busy M25 and M4](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386844_173_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The tech can legally be activated on 2,300 miles of motorways across England, Scotland and Wales – and that includes the busy M25 and M4
![Ford BlueCruise is designated Level 2 automation, meaning drivers can take their hands off the wheel while it's activated by must keep their eyes on the road at all times and be able to take back control of the vehicle immediately if promoted](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386844_505_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
Ford BlueCruise is designated Level 2 automation, meaning drivers can take their hands off the wheel while it’s activated by must keep their eyes on the road at all times and be able to take back control of the vehicle immediately if promoted
![BlueCruise is the first 'hands off, eyes on' Level 2 automated system to officially received approval from the Government for use in the UK](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386845_737_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
BlueCruise is the first ‘hands off, eyes on’ Level 2 automated system to officially received approval from the Government for use in the UK
The feature has been made available for free to customers for the first 90 days. After that, it will only be sold on a monthly subscription at £17.99.
A Ford spokesperson told us that the system ‘enables hands-free driving on specific sections of the motorway’ – which have been designated as Blue Zones by the motor company and agreed by the DfT.
‘It is important to note that this is driver assist technology rather than autonomous technology,’ they added.
‘So for motorway driving, drivers can take their hands off the wheel, keeping their eyes on the road.’
The technology is already available in North America, where over 193,000 Ford and Lincoln drivers have engaged in more than 64 million miles of BlueCruise enabled hands-free driving so far.
Customers in the US can buy the feature with a one-off payment of $1,900, which is roughly £1,500, but UK drivers will only have access by subscription.
BMW offers a similar system on its new £110,000 BMW i7 luxury electric limo but this is only available in North America.
![The brand's BlueCruise system is exclusively available on the £51,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. It will be rolled out to other models in the future](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386846_375_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The brand’s BlueCruise system is exclusively available on the £51,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. It will be rolled out to other models in the future
![The feature has been made available for free to customers for the first 90 days. After that, it will only be sold on a monthly subscription at £17.99](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386846_13_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The feature has been made available for free to customers for the first 90 days. After that, it will only be sold on a monthly subscription at £17.99
![Transport minister, Jesse Norman, said the introduction of the tech is a first step to 'help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error'. We explain how Ford's BlueCruise system works below](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386847_640_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
Transport minister, Jesse Norman, said the introduction of the tech is a first step to ‘help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error’. We explain how Ford’s BlueCruise system works below
‘Today marks a significant moment for our industry as Ford BlueCruise becomes the first hands-free driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in Great Britain,’ said Lisa Brankin, managing director at Ford UK & Ireland.
‘We have always strived to make technology accessible for our customers, and BlueCruise is this next step on this journey, making motorway driving a more comfortable experience.’
Transport minister, Jesse Norman, added: ‘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.
‘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 Law Commission last year published recommendations stating that a motorist should NOT be held liable if a vehicle crashes when a self-driving system is active](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386847_110_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The Law Commission last year published recommendations stating that a motorist should NOT be held liable if a vehicle crashes when a self-driving system is active
While BlueCruise is only an ‘assisted driving’ feature, it is another step towards automated vehicles being given access to our roads.
The Government last year announced it will spend £100million in a bid to speed-up a transition to self-driving cars on UK roads, believing the technology will help to improve safety.
In January 2022, the Law Commission also published a report calling for a new ‘Automated Vehicles Act’, which will regulate vehicles that can drive themselves and make clear who could face prosecution if a self-driving car drives dangerously or causes an accident.
This legal framework is designed to resolve the biggest grey area concerning the introduction of self-driving technology on our roads, which is who is deemed liable when something goes wrong.
It would see ‘drivers’ become ‘users-in-charge’ when an automated system is running, which would protect them from any responsibility if there was a crash.
![BlueCruise can only be activated via a button on the steering wheel when the car is being driven on a motorway that's within a 'Blue Zone'](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386848_799_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
BlueCruise can only be activated via a button on the steering wheel when the car is being driven on a motorway that’s within a ‘Blue Zone’
![Blue Zones have been designated using geofencing technology that utilises GPS to create a virtual boundary in which the system can only be activated. This - currently - is strictly motorways following approval from the DfT. Lane markings also need to be visible to the system's forward-facing cameras at all times in order for it to work](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386849_693_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
Blue Zones have been designated using geofencing technology that utilises GPS to create a virtual boundary in which the system can only be activated. This – currently – is strictly motorways following approval from the DfT. Lane markings also need to be visible to the system’s forward-facing cameras at all times in order for it to work
How the BlueCruise system works
BlueCruise is effectively an addition to Ford’s intelligent adaptive cruise control (IACC) feature and is considered ‘Level 2’ automation.
![This map shows the designated Blue Zones in which the system can only be activated](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386849_365_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
This map shows the designated Blue Zones in which the system can only be activated
Level 2 conditional automation means drivers can take their ‘hands off’ the wheel but must keep their ‘eyes on’ the road at all times, even when the system in operating.
It can only be activated via a button on the steering wheel when the car is being driven within a ‘Blue Zone’.
Blue Zones have been designated using geofencing technology that utilises GPS to create a virtual boundary in which the system can only be activated.
This – currently – is strictly motorways following approval from the DfT.
Lane markings also need to be visible to the system’s forward-facing cameras at all times in order for it to work.
When active, the driver is alerted via the infotainment screen and can remove their hands from the wheel entirely.
However, they are informed that they are required to keep their eyes on the road at all times and must take back control of the wheel almost immediately if requested.
The IACC system will allow the car to control its pace against the rest of the moving traffic up to the designated speed limit – adjusting where required by reading speed limit signs at the side of the road. However, it can operate at speeds up to 80mph, Ford says.
The IACC’s front-mounted radar lets it automatically adjust the car’s speed in live time to keep a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
![The system uses 'animated cluster transitions' featuring text and blue lighting cues to communicate that the feature is in 'hands-free mode', effective even for those with colour blindness, Ford says](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386850_598_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The system uses ‘animated cluster transitions’ featuring text and blue lighting cues to communicate that the feature is in ‘hands-free mode’, effective even for those with colour blindness, Ford says
![The technology is already available in North America, where over 193,000 Ford and Lincoln drivers have engaged in more than 64 million miles of BlueCruise enabled hands-free driving so far](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386851_202_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
The technology is already available in North America, where over 193,000 Ford and Lincoln drivers have engaged in more than 64 million miles of BlueCruise enabled hands-free driving so far
![While the BlueCruise system in the US can change lanes, in the UK Ford has confirmed the car will only move lanes with a driver's steering input. However, it can change its position within a lane to provide more space to HGVs in an adjacent lane](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386851_49_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
While the BlueCruise system in the US can change lanes, in the UK Ford has confirmed the car will only move lanes with a driver’s steering input. However, it can change its position within a lane to provide more space to HGVs in an adjacent lane
BlueCruise then adds another element to the system, with predictive speed assistance that can slow the car when it knows it is approaching a curve in the road.
It also uses ‘human-like’ lane positioning that ‘subtly’ moves the car away from larger vehicles – such as HGVs – it is passing in adjacent lanes.
However, it will not be able to change lane itself – despite this being a feature of the tech in the US.
In order to change lanes in the UK, BlueCruise will need a driver’s steering input, the car maker confirmed.
Ford says the system will be rolled out to other models at a later date.
![An infrared camera behind the steering wheel constantly checks the driver¿s eye gaze and head pose ¿ even when they are wearing sunglasses ¿ and ensure their attention remains focused on the road. If it decides the user is not concentrating, it will sound warning alarms and brake the car automatically](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386852_525_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
An infrared camera behind the steering wheel constantly checks the driver’s eye gaze and head pose – even when they are wearing sunglasses – and ensure their attention remains focused on the road. If it decides the user is not concentrating, it will sound warning alarms and brake the car automatically
![Drivers are required to take back control of the steering once alerted and cannot partake in any other activity - such as reading a book or checking emails - when BlueCruise is activated](https://allnewspresscdn.cloudspecter.com/deutsch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1681386853_128_Ford-introduces-hands-free-driving-tech-that-CAN-be-used-on.jpg)
Drivers are required to take back control of the steering once alerted and cannot partake in any other activity – such as reading a book or checking emails – when BlueCruise is activated
Can you read a magazine or check texts while BlueCruise operates?
The answer to this is no.
This is because BlueCruise is deemed Level 2 automation, meaning it is an ‘assisted driving’ feature that requires the user to ‘remain engaged with the driving task and monitor the environment at all times’.
As well as only being allowed for use on specific roads – all of them motorways – it also has cameras in the cabin that monitors if the driver is paying attention or not.
An infrared camera behind the steering wheel constantly checks the driver’s eye gaze and head position – even when they are wearing sunglasses – to ensure their attention remains focused on the road at all times.
If the system detects any driver inattention, warning messages are first displayed in the instrument cluster.
If the user fails to respond, the system triggers audible alerts and will then activate the brakes.
Failure to comply at all will see the feature slow the vehicle down to a speed of 7mph while maintaining steering control and keeping the Mustang Mach-E in the same lane.
Similar actions are performed if the driver fails to place their hands back on the steering wheel when prompted when leaving a Blue Zone, Ford says.
While the feature will not bring cars to a complete standstill if the driver fails to take control, the potential for a vehicle travelling at 7mph on a 70mph motorway in any live lane would undoubtedly be a safety risk.
That said, Ford UK’s Lisa Brankin says there hasn’t been ‘any incident or accident’ in the 64 million miles of hands-free BlueCruise driving in the US and Canada and ‘safety is absolutely paramount’ to the brand.
The manufacturer also said the system has undergone validation testing on 100,000 miles of European roads and a million miles in North America to make sure it can handle conditions drivers encounter every day – like worn-out lane markings, poor weather and roadworks.
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