3. The expert from Germany, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches (IWG-STCBC), introduced a presentation (GRSG-125-18) on the work progress of the IWG. He confirmed that the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) would consider at its May 2023 session a proposal of new UN Regulation prepared by IWG-STCBC on existing systems used in passenger cars. He added that in the first phase of this UN Regulation, IWG favoured built-in Child Restraint Systems (CRS) and Enhanced CRS that were type approved according to UN Regulation No. 129 (ECRS). In the meantime, he confirmed that the second phase of the UN Regulation would entail CRS in combination with two-points safety belts. He added that two issues for GRSG should be considered by experts when adapting UN Regulation No. 107: a) bus seats equipped with built-in CRS to be approved according to the new UN Regulation and b) emergency windows adapted to children as bus users. He, therefore, stated that proposals were expected at future GRSG sessions on the above-mentioned issues, and he sought guidance from GRSG. The expert from Spain suggested that in the future buses would be designed to transport children and that the current mandate of the IWG is to adapt the current fleet of buses. The expert from the United Kingdom suggested that practicability of access of an emergency exit should be considered and in case of removable CRS, this should be dealt by the bus operator. GRSG noted that the mandate of IWG-STCBC would expire in March 2024. Therefore, it was recommended that IWG should start to revise the terms of reference (ToR) of the group to start Phase 2 of the IWG without discontinuation of its work. The expert from Germany stated that a ToR would probably be proposed for the GRSP May 2023 session for adoption, and would be sent to the GRSG October 2023 session for further adoption GRSG last. Finally, GRSG endorsed this approach.

4. The Chair of GRSG reiterated his invitation to experts to report on the current activities related to the specifications of autonomous shuttles in an aim to review the applicability of existing requirements. The expert from the Netherlands suggested that in view of the on-going work of the Task Force on Automated Vehicles Regulatory Screening (TF AVRS) new categories of vehicles including autonomous shuttle could be considered by the TF. The GRSG Chair recommended that discussion on this issue be resumed under agenda item 14 (see paragraph 41).

5. The expert from Norway recalled to GRSG that informal document (GRSG-115-04), that had been presented at the October 2018 session of GRSG showed the issue of the lack of front protection for drivers and tourist guides in the event of a frontal collision. He reiterated his concerns by introducing GRSG-125-10. He showed statistical evidence that a considerable number of accidents involved buses wherein the drivers had been seriously injured or killed in head-on collisions in Norway. He announced that a national standard would enter into force in his country to deal this issue. The expert from Finland shared the concerns of the expert from Norway and suggested that the following UN Regulations could be addressed: Nos. 66 (Strength of superstructure), 93 (Underrun protections) and 29 (Cabs of commercial vehicles), in cooperation with GRSP. The expert from Germany recalled to GRSG the proposal of a new UN Regulation (based on UN Regulation No. 29) tabled by his delegation in 2007 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2007/33). He reminded GRSG that the proposal had not been supported by most experts because it was considered of little impact in improving road safety at that time. The expert from the Netherland expressed sympathy to this initiative. However, he stated that more statistical evidence should be provided and that such a topic should be dealt with in GRSP. The expert from United Kingdom shared a report completed in 2010, based on statistical data from his country for the years 2006–2008 on the safety priorities of commercial vehicle (GRSG-125-32). He also shared a study for an Enhanced Vehicle Safety (ESV) conference (GRSG-125-31) that provides further indicators for discussion on this subject. The expert from Norway added that this proposal would be addressed at GRSP at its May 2023 session. GRSG welcome the initiative of the expert from Norway and agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its October 2023 session, based on the follow-up of its experts and those of GRSP.

6. The expert from Spain introduced GRSG-125-29 on the accessibility issues of disabled people using public buses. The expert from the United Kingdom welcomed the presentation on a survey carried out in his country. He added that further information would be provided from public consultation. GRSG noted that the upcoming ESV conference in Yokohama, Japan would host a panel discussion on the protection and accessibility of disabled people in vehicle transportation. GRSG suggested to the experts from Japan and the United States of America that they provide feedback on the above-mentioned conference at the October 2023 session. At the same time, GRSG recommended its experts to share experiences of the national level on this subject and liaise with the expert from Spain.