18. The expert from Japan introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38, by way of GRSG-128-17, to improve the effectiveness of Lateral Protection Devices (LPDs) in preventing left- or right-turn collisions. He added that the proposal aimed to: (a) eliminate the exemption for semi-trailer tractors, (b) reduce the lower edge ground clearance of LPDs, © clarify the upper edge structure of LPDs and (d) add exemptions ensuring requirements for the Blind Spot Information System for Heavy Trucks (BSIS). The expert from the United Kingdom stated that LPDs were relevant for the protection of cyclists. However, he asked for statistic to justify the proposal. The expert from Canada explained that research demonstrated that LPDs were effective when bicycles and trucks were driven in the same direction side by side. The experts from CLCCR and OICA also requested statistical evidence. The expert from France agreed, in principle, with the proposal from Japan on an LPD ground clearance of 450 mm and added that LPDs were also effective for motorcyclists. At the same time the expert from the United Kingdom introduced GRSG-128-11 to allow extendible trailers to conform to all lateral protection requirements for trailers regardless of length. The experts from Finland, France and the Kingdom of Netherlands expressed support for the proposal. The expert from CLCCR argued that the proposal would be a new series of amendments with transitional provisions. Finally, GRSG agreed to resume discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38, based on further statistical evidence provided by the expert from Japan at the April 2025 session of GRSG. At the same time the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSG-128-11 with an official symbol at the next session.
15. The expert from Japan presented GRSG-129-20 to reintroduce ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38, amended by GRSG-129-21, that improves the effectiveness of Lateral Protection Device (LPD) in preventing left- and right-turn collisions. He underlined the benefits of low ground clearance making LPD more effective by summarizing accidentology data. The expert from the United Kingdom recommended a careful assessment of accidentology, since many of the vehicles still in circulation required exemptions on side guards. He then introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2025/3 and GRSG-129-41 amending it, which propose different transitional provisions. The expert from Italy introduced GRSG-129-47-Rev.2, to ensure the correct interpretation of the exemptions on the height of LPD by the Type Approval Authorities. The expert from CLCCR introduced GRSG-129-46 urging that the proposal be paused pending further review, since an impact assessment is needed to confirm costs versus expected benefits. He added that the correct method involves calculating the angle between two ramps using the tangent function based on ground clearance and wheelbase. Finally, GRSG adopted GRSG-129-21-Rev.5, superseding GRSG-129-22, which incorporates the proposals from the experts of the United Kingdom and GRSG-129-47-Rev.2; see annex V of this report. The secretariat was requested to submit the amendments as the proposal of the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 73, for consideration and vote at the November 2025 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.
70. WP.29 considered draft amendment under agenda item 4.7.2. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/104) and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting, subject to the following amendment:
| Paragraph 11.11., amend to read: | |
| “11.11. | The requirement for the height … until 1 September 2044. These exemptions shall remain applicable in the case of extensions of approvals first granted before 1 September 2044.” |
| Paragraph 11.12., amend to read: | |
| “11.12. | Notwithstanding … preceding series of amendments to this Regulation. If such a Contracting Party chooses not to accept approvals which were granted in accordance with paragraph 11.11. of the 02 series of amendments to this Regulation, it shall notify the Secretariat accordingly.” |
Paragraph 13.3., amend to read: | |
| “13.3. | Vehicles where… |
| 13.3.1. | For vehicles of category N2G, N3G and their vehicle bodywork1, where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use, the Type Approval Authority may decide that the lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 550 mm above the ground. |
| Paragraph 16.2., amend to read: | |
| ”16.2. | Vehicles … Authority. |
| 16.2.1. | For vehicles of category N2G, N3G and their vehicle bodywork1, where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use, the Type Approval Authority may decide that the lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 550mm above the ground. |
| —————————1. Bodywork, chassis parts or other components, such that, by virtue of their shape and characteristics, these elements can be regarded as totally or partially fulfilling the function of the LPD." | |
71. The representative of Switzerland pointed out that the proposed amendment under item 4.7.2 regarding the lowering of LPD could affect intermodal transport as certain vehicle configurations would no longer be compatible with train wagons. In Switzerland alone, over one thousand train wagons would be affected. Hence, Switzerland thought that further technical assessments were necessary to fully understand the impacts on intermodal transport. For the above reasons, the representative of Switzerland informed WP.29 about her intention to abstain from vote in AC.1 on this proposal. The representative of OICA shared the concern expressed by the representative of Switzerland.