Electric Vehicles (Vulnerable Road Users)
Debate between John Leech and Mark Spencer(11 years, 1 month ago)
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Mr Spencer
I am grateful for that intervention. That is exactly the sort of technology that we need to embrace. The sound needs to be projected forward to those people who are in danger.
Mr Leech
I was going to make a point similar to that made by the hon. Lady. Existing non-electric vehicles make quite a lot of noise. I do not think there is any suggestion that the noise created by some sort of warning system on an electric vehicle would be any more obtrusive than noise from existing petrol and diesel engines.
Mr Spencer
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention. It is important to establish those facts while the discussions are ongoing.
My final point to the Minister is that we need to give some thought to retrospective action for silent vehicles already on the road. Should the law change? How do we encourage people in possession of a silent electric vehicle to fit kit that will assist others to hear it coming?
I congratulate the hon. Lady again on securing this important debate about an issue on which I hope we can make progress in the coming months.