Huge car firm is launching the UK’s first-approved self-driving technology

FORD is launching the UK’s first approved self-driving car tech — allowing drivers to go hands-free.

Ford Mustang Mach-E owners can subscribe to its “BlueCruise” system for £17.99 a month.

It lets them drive at up to 80mph with their hands off the wheel in designated “Blue Zones”, which include 95 per cent of motorways.

The tech, approved by the Department for Transport, can adapt to speed limits and come to a halt in jams.

It can also adjust the vehicle’s position in a lane, but will not switch lanes.

Ford, which sells the electric SUV from £50,830, said it “grants an additional level of comfort during long drives”.

 Drivers still need to focus on the road, with infrared cameras monitoring eye gaze and head pose. If it detects they are not paying attention, the car will slow down.

Martin Sander, general manager at Ford Model e, said: “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.”

It has been tested on 100,000 miles of roads in Europe and 64million have been driven in the US using the software without incident.

The Government reckons 40 per cent of new UK cars could have self-driving technology by 2035.