Vehicle control system and method

A method of controlling a motor vehicle implemented by a control system, the method comprising:

• allowing selection of a forward operating mode of a transmission corresponding to travel in a forward direction and a reverse operating mode of a transmission corresponding to travel in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction by means of a first user-operable transmission selector means,
• the method comprising in a first configuration corresponding to a first functional mode, upon receipt of a user input via a first user-operable gear selector, selecting between a plurality of forward direction gear ratios,
• the method further comprising, when a first set of one or more predetermined conditions are met, enabling operation in a second functional mode and re-configuring the user-operable gear selector to, upon receipt of a user input, select between the forward operating mode and the reverse operating mode, and wherein
• if the vehicle is in the second functional mode and the transmission is in one of a predetermined set of one or more operating modes, the method comprises assuming a standby condition when a second set of one or more predetermined conditions are met, said second set of predetermined conditions comprising:
• receipt of a signal indicative of a driver request to exit the second functional mode while the vehicle is moving;
• the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined upper limit speed;
• the vehicle remains substantially stationary for longer than a predetermined time-out period;
• and
• the vehicle remains in the second operational mode for longer than a predetermined time-out period.