Ford tested Tempo 30 using geofencing in Cologne – electromobility (e-mobility), vehicle networking and communication, delivery vans, vans and vans | News | taxi today – the independent and nationwide taxi magazine
In Europe, depending on the country, up to 29 percent of road fatalities are pedestrians and cyclists1. Tempo 30 zones are therefore considered to be one of the most important measures to reduce the risk of accidents in urban cases, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, since drivers have more time to react in dangerous situations and the potential impact speed is lower. Ford is therefore currently testing networked vehicles with geofencing technology in Cologne, for example – this is a method for digital location determination that could one day make many traffic signs superfluous. Ford’s Geofencing Speed Limit Control system could not only make roads safer in the future, but also help motorists avoid possible fines for occasional speeding.
“Geofencing technology has proven potential to make everyday driving safer and safer – to the benefit of everyone, not just the person behind the wheel,” said Michael Huynh, Manager, City Engagement Germany, Ford of Europe.
Geofencing limits can ensure that driving speed is reduced exactly where it is necessary to improve the safety of all road users. In addition, emissions and noise can be reduced, Huynh advertises. The manufacturer is already using geofencing technology in the Transit Custom with plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) to ensure that this light commercial vehicle automatically switches to zero-emission electric drive mode as soon as it enters an environmental zone.
12-month test operation in the Cologne city area
As part of a twelve-month test in the Cologne city area, two fully electric Ford E-Transit (light commercial vehicles) are being used, which have been equipped with the necessary geofencing technology for the practical test. The test area includes all Tempo 30 areas in the center of the cathedral city as well as selected zones in other parts of the city. Among other things, the effects of speed limits on the flow of traffic and on reducing the risk of accidents are analyzed. The driver receives geofencing information via their vehicle’s instrument panel, with the relevant speed limit displayed below the real speedometer speedometer. If the driver is traveling faster than permitted in a geofencing zone, the vehicle automatically reduces speed – however, the driver can deactivate the system at any time.
Also suitable for company premises or low-speed zones
In the future, the geofencing speed control system could enable drivers to set particularly low speeds of just 20 km/h, for example when driving on company premises specially marked by geofencing. In addition, speed-reduced areas can also be defined flexibly, for example to take account of temporary road works or the time of day.
“Our drivers should benefit from the expanded technical support, including geofencing-based assistance systems that enable them to comply with speed limits and concentrate fully on the road,” says Bert Schröer, head of vehicle technology and mobility at the waste management companies involved in the trial Cologne (AWB).
The practical test in Cologne runs until March 2023. It is a cooperation between the Ford City Engagement team, the cities of Cologne and Aachen, and Ford software engineers in Palo Alto, California/USA. The Cologne test is part of broader research initiatives by Ford in Germany, France, UK, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. The pilot project builds on other current Ford research projects, which are also intended to help improve road safety. This includes networked traffic light technologies that automatically switch to green in inner cities as soon as ambulances, fire brigades and police vehicles flashing blue lights approach them and have to move as quickly and safely as possible. In addition, the manufacturer is researching special loudspeakers that inform the driver from which direction other vehicles and/or other road users are approaching.