34. The representative of the Technical University of Budapest, Hungary, presented ZalaZONE Proving Ground facility, a test field for classic and automated vehicles, located in the city of Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. In his detailed presentation (WP.29-177-17) he introduced project development and operations, including its background, purpose, investment costs, location details, size of the testing ground and its modules, available facilities, the business and operational model, phases of construction and operation, cooperating countries, industrial and academic partners, and the expected results. He emphasized that the testing ground was the first of its kind to incorporate roads in three countries (Austria, Hungary and Slovenia), and to allow cross border testing of automated vehicles.

35. WP.29 expressed its appreciation to the representative of the Technical University of Budapest for this information.

118. The World Forum agreed to keep this item on its agenda awaiting additional presentations.

Reproduction of GRSG-109-03 discussing the state of accident statistics and other data to support the development of coach and bus safety requirements.

Pursuant to GRPE discussions, the proposal adds the following paragraph to the amendment:
“At the manufacturer’s request, type approval granted under this Regulation may be extended from vehicles mentioned above to special purpose vehicles of categories M1, M2, N1 and N2 regardless of their reference mass. The manufacturer shall demonstrate to the Type Approval Authority which granted the type approval that the vehicle in question is a special purpose vehicle.”

7. The expert from the Russian Federation presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2017/2 on amendments to the scope of Regulation No. 83. He explained that the proposal was aimed at allowing extensions of type approvals granted under Regulation No. 83 to special purpose vehicles.

8. The experts from CLEPA and OICA expressed some concerns on the limitation of 2,610 kg reference mass introduced by the definition of special purpose vehicle in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2017/2. The expert from Hungary suggested the use of existing definitions in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3). Following the discussion, the experts from Hungary and the Russian Federation presented GRPE-74-22 to amend ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2017/2 by deleting the definitions of special purpose vehicle and armoured vehicle and referring to R.E.3 instead.

9. GRPE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2017/2 amended by GRPE-74-22 as reproduced in Annex IV and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1958 Agreement (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their June 2017 sessions as draft Supplement 10 to the 06 series of amendments and draft Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 83.

Hungary agrees with the proposed change to the airbag label, but recommends the addition of transitional provisions.

48. The expert from Hungary informed GRSP (GRSP-59-01) about his support to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2015/30, to harmonize the information of the airbag warning label on the correct installation of Child Restraint Systems (CRS). GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its December 2016 session to allow experts to provide fully their detailed comments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2015/30.

42. In absence of new information, GRSP agreed to defer discussion on this subject to its May 2017 session.

Proposal for corrections to the text and equations.

11. The expert from Hungary presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2016/19, tabled by the experts from Hungary and the Netherlands, based on GRRF-80-11. GRRF adopted the document with the following correction:
For “Paragraph 2.2.18., amend …”, read “Annex 12, paragraph 2.2.18., amend …”

12. GRRF requested the secretariat to submit the adopted proposal above to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their June 2016 sessions, as Supplement 14 to the 11 series of amendments to Regulation No. 13.

13. GRSG welcomed a presentation by the expert from Hungary on the importance of statistical studies and the collection and evaluation of information on bus accidents (GRSG-109-03 and GRSG-109-26).

Clarification that the proposal to exclude multi-layer glazed windows from the head impact requirements of UN R43 does not directly relate to the work or recommendations of the Informal Group on Plastic Glazing.

20. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-109-10 justifying the amendments to UN Regulation No. 43, proposed in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4 and aimed at clarifying the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units. He especially wondered why the headform test was applicable for multiple glazing, but not necessarily for single pans. The expert from Germany explained that the mechanical properties of single pans of safety glazing were different than those of multiple-glazed pans and, therefore, the single pans did not necessarily need to be tested for critical values in case of head impacts. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed to remove ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4 from its agenda.

Proposal to correct errors and remove inconsistencies in the current regulatory text, including a correction to the formula used in Annex 12, Appendix 4 “Test report on the compatibility of the inertia brake control device, the transmission and the brakes on the trailer”.

14. The expert from Hungary introduced GRRF-80-11 drafted together with the expert from the Netherlands and containing several corrections. GRRF requested the secretariat to distribute this document with an official symbol at the February 2016 session of GRRF.

Discussion of the state of accident statistics and other data to support the development of coach and bus safety requirements.

13. GRSG welcomed a presentation by the expert from Hungary on the importance of statistical studies and the collection and evaluation of information on bus accidents (GRSG-109-03 and GRSG-109-26).

Proposal to clarify the specification of the abrasion test machine.

21. Referring to the discussion at the previous session of GRSG, the expert from Hungary introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/22 clarifying the requirements on the abrasion test machine. The experts from Germany informed GRSG about the status of work in ISO and announced that the corresponding ISO standard was in the process of being finalized and would hopefully be published by the end of the year. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/22 at its next session in April 2016.

14. The expert from Hungary introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/22 clarifying the technical requirements on the abrasion test machine. The expert from Germany informed GRSG about the status of work in ISO on abrasion test machines. He expected that the corresponding ISO standard would hopefully be published by the end of 2016. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/22 at its next session in October 2016, awaiting the publication of the ISO standard.

15. The expert from Hungary presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/22 on clarifying the technical requirements of the abrasion test machine. The expert from Poland suggested replacing figure 4 in Annex 3 with a diagram including dimensions (GRSG-111-05). The expert from Germany informed GRSG that the corresponding ISO standard would be published soon. He offered to update the document to fully align the provisions of the Regulation with those of the ISO standard. GRSG welcomed that offer and agreed to defer the adoption of the amendments to UN Regulation No. 43 to its next session in April 2017 awaiting the submission of a revised official document by Germany.

Proposal to clarify the specification of the abrasion test machine.

20. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-108-15 proposing to clarify the requirements on the abrasion test machine. The experts from France and CLEPA preferred to wait until the forthcoming publication of the corresponding ISO standard. GRSG invited the secretariat to distribute GRSG-108-15 with an official symbol, for further consideration at the next GRSG session.

5. Recalling the discussion at the previous GRSG session, the expert from Sweden introduced a revised proposal for the introduction of automatic fire suppression systems in the engine and/or heater compartment of buses and coaches (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6/Rev.1). The expert from OICA raised concerns and presented GRSG-108-45 proposing further improvements to the revised text. The expert from Hungary introduced GRSG-108-10 on statistical information about fires in different categories and classes of buses and coaches.

6. Following a controversial discussion on the scope of the new test requirement for automatic fire suppression systems, GRSG agreed to go forward with the following compromise stages: (i) to agree during the current session on the mandatory installation of such systems on vehicles of Class III (as a Supplement to the 06 series of amendments) taking into account the transitional provisions (i.e. June 2018 for new types of vehicles and June 2019 for all existing types) as reflected in GRSG-108-51 and (ii) to reach a consensus at the forthcoming session of GRSG on the mandatory installation of automatic fire suppression systems on vehicles of Classes I and II. Thus, GRSG already committed to the following dates for the transitional provisions of stage (ii) mentioned above: at the latest 2020 for new types and 2022 for all types.

7. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/6/Rev.1, as amended as reproduced in GRSG-108-51, and requested the secretariat to submit the proposal to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 4 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 107.

This proposal aims to enable the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units which, in turn, requires exempting such configurations from the head-form test.

19. The expert from Hungary proposed an amendment to the UN Regulation allowing the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4). GRSG noted some comments. The document did not receive the full support of GRSG. It was agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4 on the agenda and to have a final review of the proposal at the next session of GRSG.

20. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-109-10 justifying the amendments to UN Regulation No. 43, proposed in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4 and aimed at clarifying the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units. He especially wondered why the headform test was applicable for multiple glazing, but not necessarily for single pans. The expert from Germany explained that the mechanical properties of single pans of safety glazing were different than those of multiple-glazed pans and, therefore, the single pans did not necessarily need to be tested for critical values in case of head impacts. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed to remove ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/4 from its agenda.

Proposal to include material characteristics of the tire tread in the technical requirements since the definition of “snow tyre for use in severe snow conditions” refers both to tread compound and tread pattern.

34. The expert from France presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2015/3, amended by GRRF-78-10 and GRRF-79-28, introducing provisions for the type approval of retreaded snow tyres for use in severe snow conditions. The expert from Hungary introduced GRRF 79 27, providing some comments. GRRF adopted the proposal as amended (GRRF-79-28 and GRRF-79-34) by Annex III and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 7 to Regulation No. 109.

This proposal aims to enable the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units which, in turn, requires omitting the head-form test in case of these units.

14. The expert from Hungary introduced GRSG-107-21, aimed at allowing the use of thick glass panes for multiple glazed units. GRSG agreed to resume discussion on this issue at its May 2015 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSG-107-21 with an official symbol.

In document GRSG/2014/4, Hungary proposed to delete the provision that emergency windows shall be capable of being operated from outside the vehicle. This document provides a written justification for the proposal to enable its formal approval by GRSG.

8. GRSG noted GRSG-107-05, tabled by the expert from Hungary, addressing ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2014/70. In his opinion, this last compromise did not correctly address the security as it facilitated the access of undesirable people during the parking time of buses. GRSG noted no support and reiterated its decision of the previous session. GRSG agreed to keep GRSG-107-05 for reference only in the agenda of its May 2015 session.

13. GRSG agreed to remove GRSG-107-05 from the agenda.

In document GRSG/2014/22, the EC proposes to align Annex 11 of UN R107 with Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 (type approval of vehicles with regard to their masses and dimensions). However, the volume and location of masses – including baggage masses – impacts many basic parameters of buses like total mass in running order, axle loads, CG position, etc. and related UN Regulations. This document raises issues for consideration during the review of the EC proposal.

7. GRSG considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/22, tabled by the expert from EC, to align Annex 11 of the UN Regulation with Regulation (EU) 1230/2012. The expert from Hungary introduced GRSG-107-04 (for information only) arguing that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/22 did not correctly addressing the issue of volume and location of the masses. The expert from OICA introduced GRSG-107-19, amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/22. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/22 as amended below. The secretariat was requested to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2015 sessions, as draft Supplement 3 to the 05 series of amendments and as Supplement 3 to the 06 series of amendments to the UN Regulation.

Annex 11,
Paragraph 3.2.3.2.1., amend to read:

Updated proposal to insert provisions in Annex 3 to facilitate access to a roof escape hatch in the event that the vehicle is lying on its side, superseding document GRSG-105-05 which superseded the original proposal in document GRSG/2013/17.

13. Recalling the discussion at the previous session of GRSG on the provisions on the access to escape hatches, the expert from Hungary introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/7 proposing updated amendments. GRSG noted a number of concerns and reservations on the proposal. Following the discussion, GRSG did not support the proposal and agreed to remove it from the agenda, subject to a new document to be submitted by the expert from Hungary.

Proposal to clarify the text of the amendments updating provisions for service doors, windows and emergency exits. The main purpose of the proposal is to delete the prohibition on the use of laminated glass or plastic material in window panes and to delete the provision that emergency windows shall be capable of being operated from outside.

8. The expert from Hungary introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/4 proposing to simplify the current provisions of paragraph 7.6.8.2. in Annex 3 of the Regulation. GRSG adopted the proposal, as reproduced below, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2014 sessions, as a part (see paras. 5 and 6 above) of draft Supplement 2 to the 05 series of amendments and of draft Supplement 1 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 107.

Annex 3, paragraphs 7.6.8.2. and 7.6.8.2.1., amend to read:

Revised proposal, pursuant to comments received after its posting, to clarify the text of the amendments updating provisions for service doors, windows and emergency exits.

The main goal of the proposal is to delete the prohibition on the use of laminated glass or plastic material in window panes and to delete the provision that emergency windows shall be capable of being operated from outside.

11. The expert from Hungary proposed simplifying the current provisions of paragraph 7.6.8.2. in Annex 3 of UN Regulation No. 107 (GRSG-105-04-Rev.1). GRSG noted general support and agreed to resume for consideration of the proposal at its next session. Thus, the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSG-105-04-Rev.1 with an official symbol.

Updated proposal to insert provisions in Annex 3 to facilitate access to a roof escape hatch in the event that the vehicle is lying on its side, superseding document GRSG/2013/17.

15. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-105-05 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2013/17 and proposing amendments to the provisions on the access to escape hatches. GRSG noted a number of concerns and study reservations. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed to resume consideration of the proposal at its next session and to take a final decision. For that purpose, the Chair invited all experts to be prepared to present their positions. The secretariat was requested to distribute GRSG-105-05 with an official symbol.

Series of clarifications to the text of the amendments updating provisions for service doors, windows and emergency exits, superseding document GRSG-104-10.

The main goal of the proposal is to delete the prohibition on the use of laminated glass or plastic material in window panes and to delete the provision that emergency windows shall be capable of being operated from outside

Proposal to insert provisions in Annex 3 to facilitate access to a roof escape hatch in the event that the vehicle is lying on its side. This proposal supplements document WP.29/2013/100 as submitted by GRSG to the World Forum.

15. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-105-05 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2013/17 and proposing amendments to the provisions on the access to escape hatches. GRSG noted a number of concerns and study reservations. Following the discussion, GRSG agreed to resume consideration of the proposal at its next session and to take a final decision. For that purpose, the Chair invited all experts to be prepared to present their positions. The secretariat was requested to distribute GRSG-105-05 with an official symbol.

Proposals to clarify the text of the amendments updating provisions for service doors, windows and emergency exits.

13. The expert from Hungary proposed simplifying the current provisions of paragraph 7.6.8.2. in Annex 3 of the UN Regulation (GRSG-104-10). GRSG noted a number of concerns. The expert from Hungary volunteered to prepare a revised proposal for consideration at the next session of GRSG.

Recommendations from the SDWEE informal group to revise its proposed amendments to UN R107 in response to GRSG comments on the original draft (i.e., GRSG/2012/15).

18. The expert from Hungary presented GRSG-104-11 proposing additional amendments to the provisions on the access to escape hatches. GRSG welcomed the proposal but preferred to consider these amendments in a further stage of improvements to the Regulation. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this proposal at its next session and invited the secretariat to distribute GRSG-104-11 with an official symbol. The expert from Belgium announced his intention to submit a proposal exempting certain bus classes from the requirements on the installation of an emergency exit at the rear of the vehicle, for consideration at the next GRSG session.