Ford has unveiled a new feature on its 2015 S-Max that will help drivers avoid getting speeding tickets.
The Intelligent Speed Limiter feature uses cameras to read speed limit signs and reduces fuel to the engine to slow speeds when necessary.
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Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only become aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement. Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit," said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor at Ford of Europe.
Using controls on the steering wheel, drivers using the Intelligent Speed Limiter set a maximum speed, a variation on the cruise control feature.
The feature also communicates with the vehicle’s navigation system to maintain appropriate speeds. An alarm will sound if the car is going downhill and the driver needs to apply the brakes to maintain the appropriate speed.
The company will monitor reactions to the technology, which came about as the result of consumer research in Europe.
"There's a certain controlling element to this that some might find uncomfortable,"
Chris Matzszczyk wrote in the Technically Incorrect blog.
The system can be temporarily overridden by firmly pressing on the accelerator.
Twitter users shared mixed reactions.
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