HC Deb 03 July 1978 vol 953 c81W
Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he proposes to introduce legislation to ensure that motor car bodies fulfil certain minimum requirements in terms of strength as a safety measure.

Mr. Horam

National type approval regulations came into effect on 1st October last year and apply to all new cars manufactured since that date and brought in use after 1st August this year. These regulations include requirements for the protection of car occupants in collisions, in particular a limit on the permissible penetration of the steering mechanism into the interior of the car under impact. These requirements govern the strength of the bodywork, which needs to be strong enough to provide some resistance to impact but not 60 strong as to transfer the full force of it to the occupants. Other possible long-term requirements are being considered in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

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