Seeking Feedback: Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS)

The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking feedback on whether Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) should be mandated in Australia.

AVAS generate noise when vehicles are travelling at low speeds, and are used in most major vehicle markets overseas to mitigate the risk that is posed by electric vehicles generating considerably less noise than vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines. The risk is exacerbated for pedestrians who are blind or have poor vision, as they generally rely on sound to negotiate the road network independently.

OTA encourages individuals and organisations to contribute to this consultation here. Feedback can be provided until 11:59pm AEST, 26 May 2023.