Method and apparatus for controlling the traveling speed of a vehicle

Method for controlling the traveling speed of a vehicle, wherein the distances (Dobj) and relative speeds of objects ahead of the vehicle, including preceding vehicles are measured and in a cruise control mode, a control by the driver to a predetermined target speed and at a distance control mode is a control to a predetermined desired distance (Dsoll) is carried out for preceding vehicle wherein it is checked whether at least one of the objects is a stationary object and upon detection of a stationary object in the track of the vehicle a relevance value (REL) is determined which is a measure of whether the detected stationary object is relevant as a possible obstacle, and carried out an intervention in the regulation in the sense of a limitation on the vehicle acceleration in both the speed control mode and the distance control mode, wherein the strength of this engagement, depending on the relevance value (REL) of the detected stationary object is varied.