The invention relates to a speed control system for controlling the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined target speed, wherein in order to achieve and maintain the target speed, the control unit transmits corresponding control signals to a drive unit or a brake unit, and wherein the control unit is configured, during active speed control, to detect the end of a manually triggered temporary acceleration request, to detect the actual speed at the end of a manually triggered temporary acceleration request and to generate a signal to initiate a coasting mode if, after the ending of the manually triggered temporary acceleration request, the actual speed is greater than the predetermined target speed.