The Department for Transport are consulting on updating the type approval for GB vehicles. Before they go on sale, new types of vehicle are tested, enabling government agencies to ensure manufacturers are producing vehicles that comply with safety and environmental laws. The UK is signed up to comply with certain UNECE (The United Nations Commission for Europe) regulations, enabling UK made vehicles to comply with international standards. Following developments in vehicle regulations internationally, this consultation is part of the process of considering whether these should be incorporated in the GB scheme. A new regulation on sounds for electric vehicles is one of these. As electric vehicles are very quiet they are required by law to emit a special sound at low speeds to ensure people are aware of their presence. The UNECE Regulation 138 on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV) regulates this sound and has been signed by the UK so needs to be accepted in the GB scheme. Other regulations covered include sound levels and replacement silencing systems.
The consultation covers England, Scotland and Wales and is open until November 10th
