Ford patents in-car system that auto-dials the cops when you speed

Ford has patented new technology that uses onboard sensors that detect when a driver is speeding in one of its vehicles and then automatically shops you to the police.

In future, when you break the speed limit the Ford-developed tech is designed to automatically turn on the car’s camera to record your moment of unlawfulness and then send the footage, images, GPS location and other vehicle telemetry to the authorities.

It’s then up to nearby cops to decide whether or not to chase or pursue you later via the post with a hefty fine.

At no point is the driver informed that the authorities have been alerted, with your own vehicle a star witness for the prosecution.

Filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office under the ‘Systems and Methods for Detecting Speeding Violations’, Ford says the technology has been specifically created for the police force to help it manage its own huge fleet of vehicles.

However, concerns have been raised that it will have wider implications for everyday motorists.

The insurance industry, for example, might hand out lower insurance premiums to drivers who allow the tech to operate in their vehicles, or employers might require staff who drive for a living to have the technology fitted to their work vehicles.

The same system could also monitor driving styles and auto-report you for all manner of minor violations.

Ford has yet to officially comment on the patent, so it’s unclear whether the car-maker has already lined up a commercial application for the technology.

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