A speed control system for a motor vehicle has an electronic control device which generates actuation signals for controlling the speed of the motor vehicle to a specified desired speed, and a control element, on the actuation of which an intervention which influences the speed control is performed. The control element is designed in the form of a button. When the button is pressed, the system intervenes in the active speed control for the time for which the button is pressed in such a way that no drive torque is generated. When the button is no longer pressed, the original speed control is resumed.