16. The expert from Japan, chairing the new Informal Working Group (IWG) on awareness of Vulnerable Road Users proximity in low speed manoeuvres (VRU-Proxi), reported on the progress made by the group during its meeting in Brussels on 23-24 March 2017 (GRSG-112-13). GRSG welcomed the updated draft terms of reference and rules of procedure for the IWG on VRU-Proxi (GRSG-112-14-Rev.1 superseding GRSG-111-29). GRSG noted the overlap of the IWG activities with agenda item 16 on a new draft UN Regulation on Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS). GRSG underlined the urgent need to adopt the new UN Regulation and agreed that the IWG on VRU-Proxi shall consider ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 (tabled by Germany) as a first priority at its forthcoming meeting, scheduled to be held in Paris on 3-4 July 2017. In this respect, GRSG adopted the terms of reference and rules of procedure for the IWG on VRU-Proxi as reproduced in Annex III to this report. The GRSG Chair announced his intention to inform WP.29 at its June 2017 session about the terms of reference of the above-mentioned IWG.

47. The expert from Germany presented GRSG-112-36 on the development of test procedures for a new draft UN Regulation on Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS). He reported on the research results, the derivation of test cases and the new technical requirements on the conduction of test for such BSIS. He introduced a proposal for a new draft UN Regulation on BSIS (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11). GRSG welcomed the detailed information and the proposal by Germany.

48. The expert from Israel recommended to extend the scope also to categories of vehicles other than N₂ and N₃. He added to even insert provisions on aftermarket BSIS for the purpose of retrofitting vehicles already in service. A number of experts underlined their preference to adopt, in a first step, the new UN Regulation and then to extend the scope in a further stage.

49. During a first reading of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11, the document received a number of comments on the definitions and cross-references to other UN Regulations. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed that the IWG on VRU-Proxi (see para. 16 under agenda item 5) shall resume consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 as a first priority at its forthcoming meetings.

50. GRSG agreed to, at its next session, have a further review of draft UN Regulation on BSIS and to resume consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 on the basis of the detailed feedback by the IWG on VRU-Proxi.

27. The expert from Germany reported that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 was still under consideration by the IWG on VRU-Proxi. He announced the intention of the IWG to further review the proposal at its forthcoming meetings and to submit it to GRSG for consideration at the next session in April 2018. GRSG agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 on the agenda as a reference document, awaiting submission by the IWG of the revised proposal.

20. The expert from Germany recalled the purpose of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/11 and reported on the outcome of the IWG on VRU-Proxi (GRSG-114-21). The IWG had recommended enlarging the scope of the new UN Regulation on vehicles of categories M2 and M3. The expert from OICA stated that this amendment was premature and that accident data did not yet justify a broader scope to vehicles of categories M2 and M3. GRSG noted that, for some regions, the need was based on general safety provisions.

21. The expert from the United Kingdom supported the proposal in general, but pointed out that drivers could possibly disconnect such warning systems. He underlined the need for further research on the effectiveness of such information systems, especially Human-Machine Interface (HMI).

22. The expert from Germany stated his intention to review the proposal and to submit, in due time, a revised proposal for consideration by GRSG at its October 2018 session.