‘Quiet Vehicles’, real risks: City Hall steps up for blind and partially sighted Londoners

It is encouraging to see that London City Hall is taking seriously the challenges created by the rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicles on London’s roads, particularly the safety implications for people with sight loss.
Cleaner vehicles deliver undeniable environmental gains. However, their reduced engine noise introduces a material safety risk for blind and partially sighted pedestrians, many of whom depend on auditory cues to assess traffic speed, direction and proximity. Research by Royal National Institute of Blind People demonstrates that so-called “quiet vehicles” are detected at significantly shorter distances than conventional vehicles, substantially reducing reaction time, especially in dense urban environments.
In response to these concerns, we recently wrote to the Mayor of London calling for stronger, systemic action. Specifically, we urged the permanent activation of Audible Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) on publicly owned and contracted vehicles, robust enforcement of AVAS compliance, and clearer planning guidance to ensure street design properly integrates auditory accessibility as a core safety principle.
The reply from Greater London Authority is a constructive and welcome development. Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance confirmed that London recognises the safety implications of quiet vehicles and has moved beyond minimum national requirements. The capital introduced AVAS on new buses ahead of regulation, prohibits muting systems on London buses, and has invested in retrofitting older vehicles. City Hall also acknowledged the importance of effective enforcement and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive street design.
This response demonstrates that City Hall is both listening to and acting upon the concerns of blind and partially sighted Londoners. Nonetheless, as electric and hybrid vehicle adoption accelerates, sustained oversight will be critical. Environmental progress must not create unintended barriers to safe mobility.
We hope London’s leadership will set a benchmark for Harrow Council, other local authorities, transport operators and fleet owners to ensure that quiet vehicles operating on our roads meet the highest safety standards for blind and partially sighted people.
Clean air and inclusive streets are not competing priorities. With rigorous policy, consistent enforcement and thoughtful urban design, London can, and should, deliver both.
To read the GLA letter click here