According to a new European Union regulation, new electric vehicles must be equipped with noise devices to protect pedestrians. The rule is to be implemented from tomorrow (Monday, July 1st, 2019).
This law is intended to address concerns of the people who are at risk because they do not realize that an electric vehicle is approaching. It is said that such cars endanger visually impaired pedestrians because most EVs are very quiet and passengers may not hear them approaching.
According to the new rule, in any EV with four or more wheels, there should be a device that can emit warning noises (basically artificial engine noises) when the car is moving at slow speeds. The vehicle's Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) will emit a continuous noise of at least 56 decibels whenever the car is moving at the reverse gear or when the car is moving at the speed of 19 kilometers per hour or slower.
Britain's Minister of Transport, Michael Ellis, says the administration wants everyone to enjoy the benefits of green transport. He also added that he understood the concerns of the visually impaired.
The legislation is not only limited to the new models of this type of vehicle. By 2021, all electric cars need to be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System. The British government has announced plans to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles By 2040.
