Justin Tomlinson has supported Guide Dogs’ call for the installation of a vital safety feature on quiet hybrid and electric vehicles to keep pedestrians safe, by attending a reception at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 26 June. The North Swindon MP was amongst the large number of Members of Parliament who backed the charity's call to install artificial noise generators on quiet vehicles.
Research shows that some quiet vehicles cannot be heard until one second before impact and, in certain conditions, are more likely to be involved in a collision with a pedestrian than conventional vehicles. Guide Dogs held the reception, where Transport Minister Norman Baker spoke, to highlight the charity’s concerns about the safety implications of vehicles that cannot be heard.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “I have done a lot of work in the past with the Guide Dogs on a number of issues and I was happy to help raise awareness of the dangers of electric vehicles having been contacted by a number of fellow local residents on this issue.
“I was previously active in lobbying on attacks on guide dogs being classed as an attack on a person and I am delighted that the Government has now announced that the law will be changed.”
James White, Guide Dogs' Campaigns Manager, said: "As the number of quiet vehicles increases on our roads, we need to ensure they are safe. Blind and partially sighted people rely on the sound of an engine to cross a road safely. If you can’t see or hear a car then how do you know it is there?”
"We welcome Mr Tomlinson’s support for our campaign. Quiet vehicles must be safe for all pedestrians and we urge the Department for Transport to take steps to ensure this happens”
