Blind pedestrians safe and sound after EU Vote

While initial proposals from the European Commission called for the artificial noise to be added on a voluntary basis only, Fiona Hall and her Lib Dem colleagues successfully fought for a mandatory requirement. Following today's vote, manufacturers in the EU will now have 5 years to comply with the new rules.

Speaking after the vote, Fiona said:

"This is a good example of how a local campaign can have a big impact. My experience with the Guide Dogs association was enough to convince me that minimum noise levels on vehicles are important and that we need to enforce the standard across the industry.

"Leaving it up to individual manufacturers would have caused great uncertainty. Without knowing that all cars emit a certain level of noise, those who rely on on their hearing to cross the road couldn't do so with confidence.

"This isn't about making electric cars too loud and risking increased noise pollution, we just need a minimum level that reduces the risk of accidents."

ENDS

Photo attached of Fiona Hall on blindfolded walkabout with Guide Dogs charity.

The final text of the report can be found here

Guide Dogs (formerly Guide Dogs for the Blind Association) campaigned for the introroduction