Industry is capable of developing and launching complex lighting systems that provide valuable assistance and high performance for the driver to improve road safety. However, in order to be able to launch their systems in most countries the manufacturers require type approval and find that the regulations do not permit the new systems. This creates difficulties for GTB as we try to work with the UNECE to align the regulations to the new technologies and have to balance safety and commercial considerations.
The current activity to introduce Adaptive Main Beam into the regulations is a good example where industry developed the technology and obtained type approvals from some authorities who gave favourable interpretations to allow the systems to be launched. Subsequent to this, it became apparent that other authorities could not agree with these interpretations and then GTB was asked to develop the necessary amendments to the regulations. Despite setting up a dedicated taskforce to develop these amendments, progress has been slow as we revealed concerns from the government representatives at GRE about how the type approval system can assure that the sensing, image processing and control systems will operate without causing confusion and discomfort to road users.
There must be a better way that we can all work together to ensure that the regulations are aligned to the new technologies. Clearly there is a real challenge to find ways of introducing provisions to verify the adequate functioning of the sensing, processing and control systems as this is an area where GRE has not been required to become involved until recently. There is also a challenge for GTB members who will have to find a way of anticipating the need to develop the regulations at an early stage of new technology development by identifying basic issues to be addressed without divulging commercial confidentiality.
I will be pleased to hear the views of the lighting community relating to how we can adapt to these new challenges and offer a better support to industry and to the UNECE regulatory system. I intend to ensure that GTB is aligned to the needs of its members whilst maintaining an emphasis on traffic safety and I look forward to advice and comments from the whole lighting community. Thanks to DVN for the opportunity to discuss these issues with its readers.
Geoffrey Draper
GTB chairman