Ford has become the first carmaker to get the go-ahead to launch “hands-off, eyes-on” self-driving technology in Britain – the first country in Europe to approve it.

The new technology allows hands-free driving on approved Blue Zone sections of motorway

Its Level 2 BlueCruise advanced driver assistance system has now secured regulatory approval for use on 2,300 miles (3,700 km) of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales, designated as Blue Zones.

Already legalised in the US and Canada, the technology will initially be available for 2023 Mustang Mach-E vehicles and can be activated via a subscription, costing £17.99 a month and with the first 90 days provided for free. Ford is also exploring a rollout to older Mustang Mach-E models via an over-the-air update and to other models in its line-up.

The technology builds on the brand’s existing Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), which can automatically keep pace with traffic within legal speed limits and stop if required.

The new hands-free mode allows drivers on approved Blue Zone sections of motorway to drive with their hands off the steering wheel if they continue to pay attention to the road ahead, operating at up to 80mph (130 km/h).

BlueCruise monitors road markings, speed signs and changing traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances to vehicles ahead – it can brake right down to a complete stop in traffic jams.

It’s not fully autonomous though – and infrared camera technology continually checks the driver to ensure they’re attentive to alerts and ready to take over if needed. If not, it will warn them before then slowing down.

Ford said the approval was a “watershed moment”.

Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe, commented: “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 a European country 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.”

Lisa Brankin, managing director, Ford UK & Ireland, added: “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.”

“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,” said Jesse Norman, UK transport minister. “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.”

In the US and Canada, BlueCruise has already enabled 64 million hands-free miles (102 million km) on Ford and Lincoln vehicles and the technology was recently named the Consumer Reports Top Rated Active Driving Assistance System.

The technology is expected to be activated in further European countries as and when regulatory conditions permit, and will be rolled out to further Ford vehicles in the coming years.

Ford is also working with regulatory authorities and exploring opportunities to deliver BlueCruise via a future Ford Power-Up software update to Mustang Mach-E models equipped with the optional Tech Pack or Tech Pack + and built prior to 2023.