13. The expert from EC on behalf of IWG VRU-Proxi, introduced through a presentation (GRSG-126-31) ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/21 that would allow vehicles with narrower cabs or A pillars positioned inboard of the edge of the cab to be approved on a reduced limit value, providing a level of safety equivalent to that of the original version of the UN Regulation. Moreover, he added that the proposal also introduced an alternative approach for vehicles with competing objectives (e.g. high-capacity transport, high efficiency, new powertrain technology, impact on freight industry) with direct vision challenges. He also introduced GRSG-126-06 to clarify the term “direct vision”. The expert from the United Kingdom introduced two presentations (GRSG-126-33) and reminded GRSG about the premise that established the method of UN Regulation No. 167 and that highlights a concern with the proposed amendment. He also introduced GRSG-126-35 commenting on the above proposal from IWG VRU-Proxi. He finally introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/19 to define a Subsection Frontal Visible Volume within the area of greatest risk with the aim of ensuring that VRUs directly in front of the vehicle cannot be in a blind spot between direct and indirect vision. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/21 as amended by GRSG-126-06 and GRSG-126-07-Rev.1. At the same time, it was agreed to send ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/19 to IWG VRU-Proxi for revision and possible submission of an official document at the April 2024 session of GRSG. The secretariat was requested to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/21 (as amended by annex IV to the report) as draft Supplement 1 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 167, for consideration and vote at the March 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

15. The expert from EC on behalf of IWG VRU-Proxi, withdrew ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/10 and announced a new proposal for the October 2023 session of GRSG.

75. The Chair of GRSG presented two new UN Regulations, UN Regulation No. [166] on Vulnerable Road Users in Front and Side Close Proximity (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/139) and UN Regulation No. [167] on Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) Direct Vision (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/140/Rev.1). He highlighted that the proposal in document, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/139 aimed to enhance driver awareness, e.g. with devices including mirrors and/or camera monitor systems, making that regulation technology neutral. For the document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/140/Rev.1, he noted that the proposed new UN Regulation allows for better views on trucks to address the risks posed to VRUs. The World Forum considered the proposals under agenda items 4.13.1 and 4.13.2 and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

76. The representative of the Republic of Korea made a statement regarding agenda item 4.13.1. He noted that the Republic of Korea was taking various measures to prevent traffic accidents involving vulnerable road users, such as lowering urban speed limits, enforcing drivers to make a full stop at a crosswalk regardless if pedestrians are present, and extending AEBS requirements to all vehicles including passenger cars.

77. He added that the proposal for the new UN Regulation was going to enhance drivers’ awareness of vulnerable road users at the front and sides of vehicles and it was anticipated to help reducing accidents involving pedestrians.

78. He further highlighted that, in a similar way, the Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE) proposed at the fourteenth GRVA meeting would help preventing accidents caused by drivers’ mistakes. He concluded that the Republic of Korea fully supported the proposal and was going to actively participate in the discussion group.

79. The representative of the European Union informed WP.29 that the European Union would not mandate UN Regulation No. [166] for the purpose of the EU whole vehicle type approval.