We all know the “beep, beep, beep” of a reversing horn. It means either “move out of the way” or “oh pants, it’s too late to put the bin bags out now, isn’t it?”.
In recent years this familiar horn has got more sophisticated. “Caution, this vehicle is reversing,” it proclaims, in dull, bored tones, to anyone who might be interested.
One day I was really stopped in my tracks by a dustcart with one of these announcements, because the lady who recorded it was obviously having a very good day indeed. It informed me of the direction of travel of this particular refuse vehicle in the sort of excitable voice that is normally reserved for such things as “Oh my goodness, I passed!” or “There is a God!”
Which makes me think the driver ought to be able to select from a few more options. Finding himself in the grounds of a country mansion, something like “Excuse me, would you mind letting me reverse?” might be appropriate. On a bad day in an inner city street, something with a few expletives and the odd “y’all” could be more effective.
In London, the technology would have to ramp up a little, because nothing moves people out of the way better than the well-practised icy stare.