The 92nd session of GRE was held last week in Geneva. Big news: reverse-light projection is adopted after some minor changes to make it clearer (final text agreed here). It will be presented at WP.29 in November, and is likely to pass.
The direction indicator projection was actively supported by three countries, and almost all other countries considered it acceptable, but it was not supported by one country and strongly rejected by another. To work toward consensus, GTB is offering GRE members a real-traffic demonstration in Darmstadt during ISAL on 22 September. The next discussion on turn signal projections in GRE will be during the 93rd session in October—so no chance for this November’s WP.29 meeting.
GTB President Wolfgang Huhn says, “In future, GTB plans to offer GRE members regular demonstrations of new functions in real road traffic. This can preferably take place in Geneva, in conjunction with GRE sessions, but also in connection with international lighting conferences such as ISAL in Darmstadt. For instance, in case there is interest from [1958 Agreement contracting parties], we could provide a demonstration of signal road projections in real traffic in Darmstadt in conjunction with ISAL; participation in the symposium is of course not a prerequisite for participation in the demos.”
As to signalling road projections, GTB submitted neutral research reports and collected, evaluated, and submitted accident statistics. All results indicate an improvement in road safety; none indicates any impairment of road safety. All questions raised by contracting parties were answered by GTB. The industry has developed systems and components, and is awaiting approval for use.
China will soon allow these functions, and the same might happen in North America. GTB has indicated they are open to suggestions as to what further data and facts are needed to make progress with this technology and allow this function also within the ECE-regulated world. Maybe the real-traffic demos are helpful here.
