HC Deb 12 August 1966 vol 733 cc469-70W
Mr. Mapp

asked the Minister of Transport when she will implement the recommendations of her working party on braking and introduce regulations laying down braking efficiencies for motor vehicles; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Castle

After considering representations made by many organisations, I have decided that the braking standards of 50 per cent. for the service brake and 25 per cent. for the emergency brake should apply to new motor vehicles first registered on or after 1st January, 1968. In addition the parking brake will be required to be capable of holding the vehicle stationary on a gradient of at least 1 in 6.25.

These requirements will be included in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations which I shall lay before Parliament and which will consolidate the 1963 Regulations and the amendments made to them.

The regulations for new vehicles will not cover locomotives, motor tractors, agricultural trailers or vehicles operating under the terms of the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1963 which are to be the subject of further discussions.