The federal government has launched a bid to make buses, trucks and cars travelling at low speeds quieter through the introduction of a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) to make zero-emissions vehicles safer.
The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) is a safety alert or sound that plays when a zero-emissions vehicle is travelling at low speeds in car parks, intersections and driveways.
Electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles travelling at low speeds will now be required to have AVAS systems fitted on it from November 2025 to ensure pedestrians hear vehicles near them.
The idea is to lower the risk of pedestrians colliding with these vehicles, particularly for those people who are blind or have poor vision and rely on sound to negotiate the road network.
“This is another example of our government’s commitment to road safety,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“As more and more Australians choose to drive EVs, we are committed to ensuring that they are safe for both driver and others using the road.
“This is a significant win for those the blind and low-vision community who have long been advocating for alert systems like this to be introduced in Australia.”
The federal government says AVAS will make it easier for people to hear these low emissions vehicles while also reiterating that the system won’t make these buses noisier than a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle.
The government consulted on a draft Impact Analysis proposing a mandate for AVAS for light vehicles and it was strongly supported by state and territory governments, the blind and low-vision community and vehicle manufacturers.
The new ADR is expected to avoid around 68 fatalities, 2,675 serious injuries and 2,962 minor injuries by 2060 and is estimated it will save the Australian community $208 million.
“I’m thrilled the federal government is now mandating this vital safety technology to Australian vehicles, as part of our transition to low and zero emission vehicles,” assistant federal transport minister Carol Brown says.
“AVAS technology is already mandated in the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and the United States. This is our opportunity to catch up with the developed world.
“This technology will go a long way to preventing pedestrian crashes, especially for our most vulnerable.”