The board is merging symbols to make driving zero emission vehicles safer
The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), through an Austroads project, has developed standardised signage and pavement symbols for low and zero emission vehicles.
For road and heavy vehicle users, signage is a necessary communication tool that is becoming even more relevant for low and zero emission vehicles.
These symbols will be introduced to low and zero emission vehicles and have been designed based on the current symbols used in Australia, supported by evidence from global best practice.
The preference for icons over text has been designed to minimise language barriers according to the ARRB, with symbols being aligned with current relevant Australian standards.
The ARRB and Austroads, along with state road authorities, considered five categories of road sign symbols.
These categories included the symbol for an electric-powered vehicle, the symbol for an electric-powered vehicle being charged and the symbol for a charging station for electric-powered vehicles.
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The ARRB’s suggested low or zero emission vehicle signage
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Also included in the categories is the symbol for a hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle and associated refuelling infrastructure, as well as the symbol for access to lanes and roadways being designated for electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.
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Some Australian jurisdictions have started to use low and zero emission vehicle symbols while New Zealand has already implemented electric vehicle charging signage throughout the country.
Despite this, in Australia there is no standardisation in signs across jurisdictions, meaning the ARRB and Austroads have come together to create a blanket system of symbols for low emission vehicles.
According to the ARRB, inconsistent signs or symbols could lead to confusion, compromise road safety and increase complexity with the next big technology shift autonomous vehicles.
This has led to the ARRB trying to harmonise symbols with New Zealand where possible to make an advancement made possible through the Austroads program coverage.