Electric cars too quiet for comfort warns charity

Blind and partially-sighted people could be at risk from electric and hybrid vehicles because they are so quiet, the Guide Dogs charity has warned.

There is particular danger when blind people cross roads at points where there are no visual or audible indicators, the charity said.

A report by TRL – the Transport Research Laboratory – into accidents between pedestrians and quiet vehicles is due out soon.

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Guide Dogs' access and inclusion manager Carol Thomas said: "We recognise the environmental benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles.

"However they are virtually silent, and blind and partially sighted people rely on vehicle sound to assist with their mobility and orientation.

"The sound of oncoming traffic, or absence of this sound, is used to assess when it is safe to cross the road," she said. "If a hybrid vehicle is stationary at a pedestrian crossing, it may not be heard but may be about to move."

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