The Hong Kong government has submitted a plan to the Legislative Council to mandate that all-electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles must have an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) installed. This follows similar legislation in America, Europe, Japan, China, and the UK.

The authorities believe that electric vehicles are quieter than traditional vehicles while moving, particularly at low speeds, and pedestrians may be unable to hear electric vehicles approaching, which may increase pedestrian accidents.

In 2011, in the early days of electric vehicles, a study by the U.S. Department of Transport showed increased pedestrian accidents involving electric vehicles (EV) compared with internal combustion engined (IC) vehicles, particularly at low speeds. In 2020, a study in Europe found little correlation between vehicle type and pedestrian accidents. Legislation for the fitting of the AVAS system was passed in the EU mainly due to pressure on legislators from The Guide Dogs for the Blind organization and members of other visually impaired groups.

Hong Kong Transport Department figures show pedestrian casualties have declined progressively since 2011, from 3,840 (0.54 percent) to 2,815 (0.38 percent) in 2021. There was a lower blip in 2020 at 2,304 (0.31 percent).

In the Hong Kong government proposal, vehicles fitted with cranes or other lifting devices will also be required to install an AVAS to alert pedestrians of overhead dangers and ensure drivers retract any…