HC Deb 14 November 1973 vol 864 cc502-3
21. Sir R. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the low standard of accuracy of tyre pressure gauges at garages and filling stations; and if, in the interests of road safety, he will introduce regulations to remedy this.

Mr. Peyton

Having considered the available evidence, I do not think that legislation is necessary.

Sir R. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider this question? Is he aware that considerable road safety implications are involved in these days of very high motoring speeds? Does he not agree that wrong tyre pressure settings can prove fatal? Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a survey last July the London borough of Croydon found that 25 per cent. of the gauges inspected were seriously defective? Does he not think that this should be put right?

Mr. Peyton

On the whole, this is a valuable and free service to the public. My information is that in one survey 82 per cent. of the gauges showed an error of 2 lb. or less. I doubt whether legislation would prove profitable to anyone.