13. The expert of TF QRTV reported on their activities (GRBP-78-11) and stressed that the Task Force strived to find a balance between safety and environmental aspects. GRBP also took note of a draft consolidated version of UN Regulation No. 138 prepared by TF QRTV (GRBP-78-12).

14. The representatives of WBU briefed GRBP on their position regarding QRTV (GRBP-78-21), in particular the need to ensure the AVAS sound emission when the vehicle is stationary and up to 32 km/h, to ensure the safety of blind people.

15. For the AVAS stationary sound, which was optional in the current text of UN Regulation No. 138, the expert of TF QRTV clarified that the Task Force was considering that sound should not be allowed at standstill for the “P” position of automatic transmission, while for the “D” and “R” positions, discussion was ongoing.

16. Several experts expressed concerns about the environmental impact of stationary noise and wondered whether the widely used start/stop system posed any security risks. Some others reported on accidents due to the absence of a stationary AVAS sound.

17. GRBP stressed the importance of further discussions within TF QRTV and supported their efforts to find a reasonable compromise. GRBP also urged all experts to participate in this work.