Virtual footrest apparatus

An automobile, comprising:

• an apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising
• a pedal adapted to be depressed by a driver by means of a force, and
• a restriction mechanism adapted to restrict the displacement of the pedal in the depressive direction, wherein, when the vehicle is in a cruise control mode, the restriction mechanism is operable to enter a footrest mode, which increases the force required to depress the pedal and thereby retains the pedal in a rest position when the pedal is subjected to a force less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value, but allows depressing of the pedal away from said rest position when the pedal is subjected to a force greater than the first threshold value;
• wherein the apparatus comprises a visual sign which enters a first illuminated state in response to activation of the footrest mode;
• the visual sign remaining in the first illuminated state whilst the restriction mechanism retains the pedal in the rest position, the visual sign being extinguished when footrest mode, or cruise control is cancelled;
• and
• wherein the apparatus comprises a controller to control the visual sign to enter a second illuminated state when the pedal is subjected to a force greater than the first threshold value and passes a first threshold position, whilst in the footrest mode, the first threshold position being beyond the rest position.