MP BACKS GUIDE DOGS’ CALL FOR ACTION ON DANGEROUSLY QUIET VEHICLES

Andrew Stunell MP showed his support for Guide Dogs' call to install artificial noise generators on quiet vehicles so guide dogs can keep their owners safe.

Whilst hybrid and electric vehicles are good for the environment, and therefore very welcome, they run very quietly compared to conventional vehicles and so create a serious safety hazard to those pedestrians who are non-sighted or partially sighted.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"Quiet vehicles are a blessing for most of us, but they do add an extra risk for non-sighted people who have been used to relying on sound to detect danger. There is a simple fix which can give us the best of both worlds, and I'm pleased to add my weight to the Guide Dogs' Campaign."

Research shows that some quiet vehicles cannot be heard until one second before impact and, in certain conditions, are more likely to be involved in a collision with a pedestrian than conventional vehicles.[1] Guide Dogs held the reception, where Transport Minister Norman Baker spoke, to highlight the charity's concerns about the safety implications of vehicles that cannot be heard.

James White, Guide Dogs' Campaigns Manager, said: "As the number of quiet vehicles increases on our roads, we need to ensure they are safe. Blind and partially sighted people rely on the sound of an engine to cross a road safely. If you can't see or hear a car then how do you know it is there?"

"We welcome Sir Andrew's support for our campaign. Quiet vehicles must be safe for all pedestrians and we urge the Department for Transport to take steps to ensure this happens"