New technology has seen the NTC consider how to alert people to electric and hydrogen vehicles in emergency scenarios
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has invited industry parties to share their thoughts on the latest proposed amendments to the light and heavy vehicle standards.
Affecting hydrogen and electric-powered vehicles built after January 1, 2019, the NTC says the changes would require identification labels to be visible on the front and rear number plates of the models in order to improve safety for emergency service personnel and other road users.
“Hydrogen and electric powered vehicles can present certain hazards during rescue scenarios and we need to ensure emergency service personnel have the right safeguards in place to protect themselves and the public,” NTC chief executive Paul Retter says.
“We need to bring the light and heavy vehicle standards in step with existing regulations for identifying LPG and natural gas powered vehicles.”
Part of a review into The Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules 2015 and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation, the NTC says the changes will ensure the law remains contemporary, up to date with technology and in line with the Australian Design Rules.
The proposed signs would see a yellow, pentagonal -shaped sign with a large ‘H’ represent a hydrogen-powered vehicle and a blue, triangular-shaped sign marked with ‘xEV’ represent an electric-powered vehicle.
Submissions on the amendments can be made until 4pm Friday, February 3, 2017.