The challenge put Ann’s reverse parking skills to the test as a panel of judges scored her technique, spatial judgement and finesse as she attempted a manoeuvre feared by many of Britain’s drivers.
Ann also tested Ford's Active Park Assist, which controls the steering of the car into a parallel parking space, while the driver concentrates on the accelerator and brake.
Ann is no stranger to competition, having forged a successful political career that has spanned over two decades and, more recently, appearing as a popular contestant on BBC One’s Strictly come dancing.
Describing Active Park Assist, Ann Widdecombe said: "It is any woman's parking dream."
Active Park Assist is available on new Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models. The system takes the stress out of parallel parking by employing 10 ultrasonic sensors mounted on the sides of the vehicle and on the front and rear bumpers. Once the system is activated, front side sensors constantly scan for gaps between cars parked at the side of the road, alerting the driver to a suitable space with an audible chime and via a visual display in the centre console.
Retaining control of the accelerator and brake inputs and selecting first or reverse gears is all the driver needs to do. Steering input is provided by the electronic power steering system, which uses information from the sensors to help usher the vehicle perfectly into the parking space. Parking manoeuvres can be carried out at speeds of up to 10km/h and the system is designed to park 150mm from the kerb to avoid damage to wheels and tyres.
Ann Widdecombe got behind the wheel of a new 2011 Ford Focus to take part in Ford’s ‘Strictly come parking’ challenge recently.
