§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for the introduction of regulations governing the fitting of anti-lock braking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsDraft regulations published today introduce the anti-lock braking requirements set by European Community directive 88/194 for certain types of heavy goods vehicles, including trailers, and motorway and inter-urban coaches. The Community proposals are for mandatory anti-lock on new vehicles in the following categories:
- (a) towing vehicles over 16 tonnes and trailers over 10 tonnes gross weight; and
- (b) touring coaches and intercity buses over 12 tonnes gross weight.
The draft regulations apply to new trailers manufactured on or after 1 October 1991 and new motor vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1992.
Anti-lock increases braking stability and reduces jack-knifing in slippery road conditions.