The Guardian reports that from next year (2019) all new electric vehicles will be required by law to be fitted with noise emiters and (from 2020) all existing vehicles will be obliged to have such equipment retrofitted.

As a registered blind guide dog owner I welcome this news. Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly and it is right that there uptake is strongly encouraged and the driving of petrol and diesel vehicles phased out. However, when traveling at below 20 miles per hour electric vehicles make very little noise posing a particular danger to those with little or no sight.

While (as already stated) I greatly welcome this news, I fervently wish that the authorities would crack down on the minority of cyclists who selfishly cycle on pavements posing a risk to pedestrians and, in particular to visually impaired people such as myself. I appreciate that roads are dangerous places but if you (as a cyclist) can’t stomach the risk associated with going on a road you should not then ride your machine on the pavement. You should stick to designated cycle tracks or (if this does not appeal to you) cease cycling. I have nothing whatever against cycling and would (if possessed of vision) indulge in the activity. Cyclists should, however respect the law as should all road (and pavement users).

For the Guardian article please see, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/06/new-law-combats-silent-menace-electric-cars.