Plan to make silent cars noisy

Frank Salt and his guide dog Lewis

Silent electric cars are to be made noisy under new EU rules after demands from local MEPs. The new requirements will see acoustic vehicle altering systems (AVAS) to be fitted to electric and hybrid cars so that pedestrians can hear them coming.

Frank Salt, of STORM (Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester line), who is blind, welcomes the new plans. He said: “It would certainly help me and my personal safety.”

Research carried out by scientists last year confirmed that silent cars were more likely to hit a pedestrian than conventional vehicles. “The only way I can describe it for a sighted person is when a cyclist comes behind them freewheeling,” said Frank.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is also supporting the campaign by campaigning for safer roads. The ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign is urging European decision makers to make the installation of AVAS mandatory on silent vehicles as soon as possible.

Frank added: “When I am waiting to cross a road, I need to be able to hear the cars. I need to use complete concentration to hear the noise of the cars.”

With electric cars expected to greatly increase in numbers, the USA and Japan have already introduced similar systems to those planned for vehicles in Europe.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can do so by visiting:

https://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=113&ea.campaign.id=23175