§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what figures he has on the number of motor accidents which can be attributed to the use of imported part-worn tyres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyThe information is not available in the form requested. Some 95 per cent. of accidents are caused by driver error rather than by defects in vehicles. The Government nevertheless propose to prohibit the sale of defective part-worn tyres by shortly introducing safety regulations to be made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what he intends doing to increase public awareness of the new tyre legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the increase in tyre tread depth for cars, light vans and light trailers that came into force on 1 January 1992. Measures were taken by both industry and Government to alert the public to the new law, for example, the industry's "Stay Legal, Stay Alive" campaign, and information in vehicle excise duty reminders. A recent survey has indicated that most tyres are being changed before or when their legal limit of 1.6 mm is reached. In these circumstances, the Government do not consider that further measures are needed to alert the public.
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