§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take to improve road safety in buses and coaches before 2004. [76951]
§ Mr. JamiesonBuses and coaches have consistently been one of the safest forms of passenger transport. Since 2001 we have introduced requirements to improve their very good safety record such as the fitment of anti lock braking systems, seat belts in coaches and improved designs of buses to cater for disabled passengers. In the longer term we are working with others to improve the European standard for the protection of coach passengers in the event of a roll over accident. The revised standard is not expected to be applied to new coaches until after 2004.