![Alun Cairns MP and Guide Dog](/sites/www.conservatives.wales/files/styles/gallery_large/public/guide_dogs_-_ac.jpg?itok=FW0wRcOi)
Alun Cairns MP has supported Guide Dogs’ call for the installation of a vital safety feature on quiet hybrid and electric vehicles to keep pedestrians safe. The Vale of Glamorgan MP was amongst the large number of Members of Parliament who backed the charity's call to install artificial noise generators on quiet vehicles.
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. 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.
Mr Cairns said: “I want to add my support to the Safe and Sound campaign by the Guide Dogs organization – it’s crucial that blind and partially sighted people are given warning that low level noise hybrid or electric vehicles are approaching.”
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 Mr Cairns’ 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.”