Yahoo News New electric vehicles must make fake engine noise by law from today
All electric vehicles in the UK must be fitted with devices that will emit noises to warn other road users of their presence.
The rule, which came into force today, was introduced by the European Union and will apply when vehicles are travelling at less than 12mph (19kph) or are reversing.
All new electric and hybrid vehicles with four wheels must now be fitted with the acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) which generates a sound similar to that made by a conventional engine.
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Drivers will have the power to deactivate it if judged necessary.
Roads minister Michael Ellis said: “The government wants the benefits of green transport to be felt by everyone, and understands the concerns of the visually impaired about the possible hazards posed by quiet electric vehicles.
“This new requirement will give pedestrians added confidence when crossing the road.”
The law has been welcomed by charities such as Guide Dogs For The Blind, but they have asked that the devices by modified to ensure that such vehicles make noise at any speed.
Spokesman John Welsman said: “There are two million children and adults living in the UK affected by sight loss and the rise in electric and hybrid vehicles pose a significant risk to them... We are delighted that from today it is now compulsory for new models to have an Avas built in.”
His colleague James White told the Daily Mail: ‘Quiet vehicles put pedestrians at risk outside schools, in residential areas and in our towns and cities.
“The government is spending hundreds of millions of pounds to increase the numbers of quiet cars on the roads, and while we support the development of environmentally friendly vehicles, more needs to be done to protect pedestrian safety.”
Under government plans introduced last summer, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned by 2040.
Vehicles such as pure electrics and plug-in hybrids made up 6.6% of the new car market in May 2019, compared with 5.6% during the same month last year.
