HC Deb 02 May 2000 vol 349 cc3-4W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to encourage the fitting of seat belts on minibuses and coaches; and if he will make a statement. [120261]

Mr. Hill

Since 1998, all minibuses and coaches used to carry groups of three or more children on organised trips, including home to school transport, have been required to have seat belts fitted. The DETR is currently conducting a public consultation exercise on draft regulations which will require seat belts to be fitted to all new minibuses, coaches and buses which do not carry standing passengers. I understand that many minibus and coach manufacturers are already fitting seat belts as standard equipment to their new vehicles.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy on the introduction of compulsory wearing of seat belts on minibuses and coaches transporting children; and if he will make a statement. [120262]

Mr. Hill

All minibuses and coaches carrying children on organised trips must provide a forward facing seat and a lap belt as a minimum. On minibuses with an unladen weight of 2,540 kgs or less, the law already requires that seat belts be worn where fitted.

The Government currently have no plans to introduce compulsory seat belt wearing in minibuses above 2,540 kgs unladen weight and in coaches transporting children. The Government recognise the attractions of such a step but problems arise over enforcement and the legal liability of a driver in respect of children under 14. Moreover, the police would not be able easily to enforce seat belt wearing regulations in such large vehicles. Nevertheless, we are keeping this matter under review.