The increasing use of electric and hybrid vehicles – often referred to as “quiet vehicles” – is bringing new safety challenges for people with sight loss in Harrow.
While these vehicles reduce air pollution, their reduced engine noise poses a risk for pedestrians who rely on sound to navigate safely.
Research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) shows that quiet vehicles significantly reduce detection distances, giving blind and partially sighted individuals less time to react.
Electric vehicles in electric mode are detectable at much shorter distances compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly at low speeds. This risk is amplified in noisy environments or when background sounds mask vehicle noise.
Regulation has introduced some safeguards: since 2021, all new vehicles are required to include Audible Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) when operating at low speeds. Mandating the AVAS and prohibiting the pause switch for new vehicles came into effect from September 1, 2023.
However, limitations remain. Older vehicles may not be retrofitted, some AVAS can be muted by drivers, and sound design may not always be effective in overcoming ambient noise.
According to NHS SSDA902 data published in March 2024, Harrow had 1,430 registered residents with sight impairments in 2023.
With electric vehicle numbers growing rapidly on the Harrow roads, Harrow council must act to reduce risks for this vulnerable group.
The Harrow council could take a lead in safeguarding visually impaired residents in Harrow and beyond from the risks of quiet vehicles by establishing practical and measurable steps. Like enforcing that all council-owned electric vehicles and subcontracted taxis/private hire vehicles have AVAS permanently active at low speeds. Prohibit the muting of AVAS through updated licensing conditions and contract renewals.
Encourage more police road checks conducted for AVAS regulations.
For the Accessible Street Design, to develop a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on auditory accessibility, evaluate factors such as road surface choices, traffic-calming measures, and ambient noise sources near crossings, providing clear guidance for developers and contractors.
The council could also promote such a proactive approach among its wider network of working partners.
While these vehicles reduce air pollution, their reduced engine noise poses a risk for pedestrians who rely on sound to navigate safely.
Research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) shows that quiet vehicles significantly reduce detection distances, giving blind and partially sighted individuals less time to react.
Electric vehicles in electric mode are detectable at much shorter distances compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly at low speeds. This risk is amplified in noisy environments or when background sounds mask vehicle noise.
Regulation has introduced some safeguards: since 2021, all new vehicles are required to include Audible Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) when operating at low speeds. Mandating the AVAS and prohibiting the pause switch for new vehicles came into effect from September 1, 2023.
However, limitations remain. Older vehicles may not be retrofitted, some AVAS can be muted by drivers, and sound design may not always be effective in overcoming ambient noise.
According to NHS SSDA902 data published in March 2024, Harrow had 1,430 registered residents with sight impairments in 2023.
With electric vehicle numbers growing rapidly on the Harrow roads, Harrow council must act to reduce risks for this vulnerable group.
The Harrow council could take a lead in safeguarding visually impaired residents in Harrow and beyond from the risks of quiet vehicles by establishing practical and measurable steps. Like enforcing that all council-owned electric vehicles and subcontracted taxis/private hire vehicles have AVAS permanently active at low speeds. Prohibit the muting of AVAS through updated licensing conditions and contract renewals.
Encourage more police road checks conducted for AVAS regulations.
For the Accessible Street Design, to develop a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on auditory accessibility, evaluate factors such as road surface choices, traffic-calming measures, and ambient noise sources near crossings, providing clear guidance for developers and contractors.
The council could also promote such a proactive approach among its wider network of working partners.
Harrow Monitoring Group 