Parents who make use of the MyKey technology developed by Ford, which is available next year, may feel happy in the knowledge that their sons and daughters are at a reduced risk of being involved in accidents and young drivers car insurance claims.
The system allows parents to have greater control of their children's safety on the road by regulating certain aspects of the vehicle's performance using a computer chip in the car key. For example, the youngsters who are given a new Ford key are likely to have their driving speeds limited by their mothers or fathers.
The device will also bar any phone calls that the novice drivers attempt to make while behind the wheel, and place a restriction on the volume of in-car radio systems.
A spokesperson for Ford said that the MyKey "is targeted at young drivers, although it is useful for fleet operators.
"We were concerned children would see it as Big Brother watching them, but they get more access to the vehicle."
Ford has highlighted evidence that young European motorists are more likely to be involved in road accidents than drivers with more experience, as sound reason for the development of the technology.
However, a spokesperson for a company which sells relatively cheap car insurance said, "The biggest threats to young people are their inexperience and sense of invincibility. It seems unlikely setting an arbitrary speed limit will change this."
Parents who are keen to limit the speed of the young motorists in their family are advised to buy them low performance cars, for which affordable young drivers car insurance may be available.