Ford tests geofencing technology to improve vehicle safety in Europe

Ford announces that the company is now testing geofencing technology — a virtual geographical boundary — to help improve vehicle safety. According to a press release published by the Blue Oval brand, Ford’s Geofencing Speed Limit Control system could potentially help drivers avoid inadvertently incurring speeding fines, improve roadside appearances, and make streets safer for other road users and pedestrians.

“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,” said Ford Europe City Engagement Manager (Germany) Michael Huynh.

The tests are being conducted in Cologne, Germany, and are a collaborative effort between the Ford City Engagement team, city officials in Cologne and Aachen, and Ford software engineers in Palo Alto, in the US. Two all-electric Ford E-Transit vans are equipped with Ford’s Geofencing Speed Limit Control system and are driven on all 30kph zones in the center of Cologne, in Germany, as well as in selected 50kph and 30kph zones elsewhere in the city.

When the Geofencing Speed Limit Control system-equipped Ford E-Transit vans enter a geofenced zone, the vans automatically reduce speed based on the speed limit of the geofenced area. The driver can override the system and deactivate the speed limit control at any time.

“Our drivers should benefit from the latest technical support, including geofencing based assistant systems that enable them to keep to the speed limits and fully concentrate on the road,” said AWB Head of Vehicle Technology and Mobility Dr. Bert Schröer.

The 12-month trial runs until March 2023 and builds on recent road safety tests conducted by Ford in the region including the use of connected traffic light technology as well as the use of specific speakers inside the vehicle to alert drivers to the direction from which people and objects are approaching.

Photos from Ford

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