We cam finally do away with the accursed beep-beep

Submitted by brad on Mon, 2021-12-27 12:24
Topic: 
Robocars
Transportation
Tags: 
forbes

I wrote before about the accursed "beep beep" that big machines make when they back up -- and even a few cars. There is an answer to it, and that answer has just come out of patent. So what can we do to ban the beep and make safer systems that don't destroy the peace and quiet of the air?

Read about that in this Forbes.com story at We cam finally do away with the accursed beep-beep

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Comments

Ross Bellette

Mon, 2021-12-27 22:24

Surely this article is way out of date. I contract as a courier in Sydney and other sounds are now on most new vans and truck.

Much less noise than a BEEP too.

brad

Tue, 2021-12-28 14:18

Sadly, in other parts of the world, beep-beep is still common.

Hayley

Mon, 2023-11-27 02:43

its the end of 2023 an im sitting in my own home still listening to beep beep beep beep. every day, 7.30 (illegal) to gone 5, beep beep beep beep, 4 years and counting, beep beep beep beep. This has to stop! beep beep beep beep, I hear it in my head even when theyre not here, beep beep beep beep. curse brigade and their patent, beep beep beep beep. I swear these telehandlers dont have a forward gear, beep beep beep beep!
AAAAAARRRRGH

Janet

Fri, 2026-06-12 11:34

Report the beeping to the head of the company that is using the beeps Google the name and you can often find the email address on line too. Remind them that they have a legal responsibility to mitigate pollution of any kind (this includes noise) Retro fitting of BBS (white noise units are entirely possible. Also you have a legal right to enjoy your own home and garden. Report the disturbance to the local Environmental protection team, tell the company that you are going to do this. Speak to your MP about asking government to protect the public and site workers from this damaging high pitched beep. If anyone says HSE insist on beeps, tell them that HSE do not legislate they do however recommend that an audible alarm is used which can be the gentler BBS/ white noise alarms that make a shush shush noise. WHO say that noise is the second most damaging pollution to public heath after air pollution. Causing stress anxiety and eventually heart disease.

Janet

Fri, 2026-06-12 11:36

Report the beeping to the head of the company that is using the beeps Google the name and you can often find the email address on line too. Remind them that they have a legal responsibility to mitigate pollution of any kind (this includes noise) Retro fitting of BBS (white noise units are entirely possible. Also you have a legal right to enjoy your own home and garden. Report the disturbance to the local Environmental protection team, tell the company that you are going to do this. Speak to your MP about asking government to protect the public and site workers from this damaging high pitched beep. If anyone says HSE insist on beeps, tell them that HSE do not legislate they do however recommend that an audible alarm is used which can be the gentler BBS/ white noise alarms that make a shush shush noise. WHO say that noise is the second most damaging pollution to public heath after air pollution. Causing stress anxiety and eventually heart disease.

Kerry

Wed, 2025-08-27 16:41

I was very dispirited to see that this article is so old, and I spend every day that I want fresh air and my windows open listening to this brain piercing beeping.
It is constant where I live - not confined to construction sites.
I don't expect writing here will change anything - I'm willing to try anything!

Janet

Fri, 2026-06-12 11:21

I have been campaigning for years to get the bleeping in my local area and nationally STOPPED!
I have had some success but the goal is not achieved yet. Locally I have to approach the head of each company who uses beep alarms and request that they retrofit BBS (white noise) at the same time report the nuisance to Environmental protection. This usually does the job until a new contactor or subcontractor brings in new equipment. I spoke to my MP who took the question of "why don`t we mandate the use of BBS (white noise) Government ministers came back with stupid answers, Like HSE require the beeps and companies are responsible for their own safety policy etc etc Basically they disn`t understand that BBS is safer, more effective and more environmentally friendly. How many constructors have hearing damage caused by the high pitched bleeping, how many constructors say they are immune to the sound. For the public WHO say that noise pollution is the second most damaging pollution next to air pollution. Why do we need to know that a vehicle is reversing up to a mile away. When multiple vehicles are in use the sound is unbearable, causing stress, anxiety leading to all kinds of health issues. It is 2026 and the beep was invented in the 70`s, Its time we moved on with modern technology that will save lives, improve our environment and reduce hearing damage. If litigation is the fear isn`t it best to use the best and most effective safety device possible rather than the old single tone narrow band equipment. Education is key. I spoke to a ware house manger suggesting they switch to BBS. His answer was "oh no we need to hear it". A council safety officer told me BBS would not be suitable for the sake of the visually impaired. In fact the opposite is true, BBS would be safer around the visually impaired due to the ability to locate the direction of sound easier. I could go on, Spread the word, don`t stand for the bleeping and complain to those who have the abilty to act.

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