Motor Coaches

HC Deb 07 April 1982 vol 21 cc934-5

3. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the provision made for the safety of motor coaches.

Mrs. Chalker

Coach travel is now one of the safest forms of passenger transport and new provisions are coming into force to make it even safer. Statutory annual testing of passenger service vehicles was introduced on 1 January this year, and higher standards for braking come into effect from 1 October. Many of the latest models of coach have stronger seats and roof constuction, and we are working to get these improvements incorporated into the relevant international regulations.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister accept that although there has been much progress in coach hardware, the problem ultimately lies with the driver and the individual involved in the maintenance of the vehicle? Will she warn her right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment of the effects of the removal of mandatory training in encouraging cowboy kerbside coach operators with the corresponding danger to life and limb?

Mrs. Chalker

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but the new testing scheme for the vehicles will bring a greater uniformity of high standards. There is no intention by the Department to lower safety standards and vehicle testing, only to increase them. I shall bring the hon. Gentleman's remarks to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.

Mr. Higgins

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern in the South-East that the traffic commissioners have inadequate staff and powers to enforce action against illegal coach operators who appear to be breaking the law? Will she look carefully into this as it seems difficult to get a satisfactory response from the traffic commissioners?

Mrs. Chalker

I am sorry to hear that. I hope that my right hon. Friend will give me details, as I would most certainly wish to look into the matter.

Mr. Bagier

In the light the Minister's comments about her intention to increase the efficiency of motor coach examinations, is she aware that the entire motor coach industry disagrees with her and that all the evidence given to the Select Committee was against the denationalisation of the testing stations?

Mrs. Chalker

The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that although there has been controversy about PSV and HGV testing, and the transfer to the private sector, this is now welcomed by some.

Mr. Bagier

Who?

Mrs. Chalker

We have every intention of ensuring that the standards to be maintained under the authorisations granted by the Secretary of State will be at least as high as in the past.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Will the Minister name one person or company actually in favour of the transfer of HGV testing stations?

Mrs. Chalker

If I said that anyone was in favour, the House must forgive me, as it was an error. I intended to say that people had accepted the arrangements for HGV and PSV testing and were now working to ensure that safety standards, with which the original question was concerned, should be at least as high as they have been in the past.