Electric Vehicles

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Ceisteanna (226)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

226. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if all electric and hybrid vehicles in operation in Ireland are required to be fitted with acoustic vehicle alerting systems; if so, the details of the policy or legislation underpinning this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4507/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Since July 2019, all electric and hybrid vehicles placed on the market in the EU, including Ireland, are required under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1576 to have an acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) fitted that will automatically emit a noise when travelling at speeds below 20km/h and when reversing to alert pedestrians of oncoming vehicles. The device is obligatory in all new EVs since 1 July 2021.

This requirement has been given effect in Irish law by means of the European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 556 of 2020).