Matthew has supported Guide Dogs’ call for the installation of a vital safety feature on quiet hybrid and electric vehicles to keep pedestrians safe. He was amongst the large number of Members of Parliament who backed the charity's call to install artificial noise generators on quiet vehicles at a recent reception at the Houses of Parliament. 

Research shows that some quiet vehicles cannot be heard until one second before impact and, in certain conditions, are more likely to be involved in a collision with a pedestrian than conventional vehicles.[1] Guide Dogs held the reception, where Transport Minister Norman Baker spoke, to highlight the charity’s concerns about the safety implications of vehicles that cannot be heard.  

Matthew said: "Whilst we all welcome the increase in the number of quiet vehicles, we must not forget that for some people being able to hear what is going on around them is important - to the extent that it can mean life or death. I shall be pressing the Government to introduce measures to ensure that all pedestrians are aware of approaching vehicles whether or not they can see them."   

James White, Guide Dogs' Campaigns Manager, said: "As the number of quiet vehicles increases on our roads, we need to ensure they are safe. Blind and partially sighted people rely on the sound of an engine to cross a road safely. If you can’t see or hear a car then how do you know it is there? We welcome Dr Offord’s support for our campaign. Quiet vehicles must be safe for all pedestrians and we urge the Department for Transport to take steps to ensure this happens.” 

[1] US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Incidence of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes by Hybrid Electric Passenger Vehicles

Rosenblum, L, University of California Riverside:  Hybrid Cars Are Harder to Hear