Connected tech automatically reduces speed in key areas

Many cities and towns limit speeds around schools, hospitals and shopping streets. Seeing the signs, however, can depend on how visible they are, whether they are concealed by branches, or maybe surrounded by a cluster of other signs.
 
Now, we’re trialling connected vehicle technology using geofencing – a virtual geographical boundary – that could one day do away with the need for speed limit signs completely. ¹

As well as potentially making streets safer for all road users, our Geofencing Speed Limit Control system could help drivers avoid incurring speeding fines and improve roadside appearances.

“Connected vehicle technology has the proven potential to help make everyday driving easier and safer to benefit everyone, not just the person behind the wheel. Geofencing can ensure speeds are reduced where – and even when – necessary to help improve safety and create a more pleasant environment.”

Michael Huynh, manager,

City Engagement Germany, Ford of Europe

 
In Europe, up to 29 per cent of road fatalities are pedestrians and cyclists. Setting up 30 km/h zones is considered one of the key measures to reduce the risk to pedestrians in urban areas, as drivers have more time to react and the impact speed is lower. ²

For the 12-month trial, researchers are using two Ford Pro all-electric E-Transit vehicles to analyse the impact of speed limiting in terms of improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of accidents. Testing with geofenced areas extends to all 30km/h zones in the centre of Cologne in Germany, as well as in selected 50 km/h and 30 km/h zones elsewhere in the city.

When approaching a zone, the driver receives the information via the dashboard display cluster, with the new speed limit flashing below the current speed. The vehicle automatically reduces speed in line with the geofenced zone. The driver can override the system and deactivate the speed limit control at any time.
 
The Geofencing Speed Limit Control system is potentially more flexible and effective than on-board driver assistance speed limiting systems, and could in future be applied to Ford commercial and passenger vehicles. ³
 
Also looking ahead, the system could enable drivers to set their own geofencing zones at speeds as low as 20 km/h, including at depots and private facilities. Speed limits could also be set dynamically, to take into account local hazards, temporary road works and the time of day.

Reducing the number of signs on the roads could go a long way towards decluttering our cities, with drivers able to concentrate on the roads rather than keep watch for signs.
 
The trial runs until March 2023.
 
¹ This vehicle feature is being developed for trial purposes only and is currently not available for purchase. Geofencing creates a virtual geographic boundary defined by GPS technology.
 
² The probability of a pedestrian fatality is five times higher when the collision is with a vehicle travelling at 50 km/h, compared to 30 km/h. Kröyer, H., Jonsson, T., & Varhelyi, A. (2014). Relative fatality risk curve to describe the effect of change in the impact speed on fatality risk of pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 62, 143-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2013.09.007 
 

³ Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle.

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