9. Germany: Presentation of document REG58-QRTV-01-005 (Germany) BaSt Study TU Dresden: The main findings from the study are:

• the SPL of the AVAS signal may be below background noise but audible nonetheless.
• Idling sound does not improve the audibility/recognizibility
• Stationary sound may lead to confusion as people may be unsure if or if not a vehicle has stopped or is still moving
• Frequencies between 250Hz and 400Hz are best suitable to detect braking and deceleration

10. The study was carried out with an average of 34 (deviation from 18 to 55 people depending on test situation) blind and sighted people with an average age of 33 years. WBU expresses its doubts that the studies cases are representative for all 285 Mio blind people and requests time thoroughly read the presentation.

13. WBU expressed its disagreement with those findings as stationary sound would increase the safety. France replied that the findings from Japan and Germany are based on scientific researches, while the request for stationary sound is based on subjective opinions. Germany supports France and proposes to make a final decision on the requirement for stationary sound at a later stage; once more reliable data is available.

14. A clear decision for the handling of stationary sound must be made in GRB. If there is no such standpoint, the document risks being rejected completely.

Current situation among Contracting Parties:

China	USA	EU	UNR	Taiwan
Optional	Mandatory	Optional	Optional	Optional

Documents ‘Concept of QRTV GTR based on R.E.3’ and ‘Perception and evaluation of Vehicle exterior noise by pedestrian in different traffic situations and different operating conditions’ were named to show potential neutral or negative impact of stationary sound, whereas WBU mentioned that numerous examples would prove the opposite. It became clear that also here further studies are necessary to come to a clear view. The chairman however pointed out that all participants must be ready to accept the conclusion of those studies, once the content is agreed upon. Germany proposed to determine a deadline of end 2017 for a revised proposal to GRB of the QRTV Regulation to come. The mandate of the IWG must be extended accordingly.