HC Deb 25 May 1973 vol 857 cc177-8W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give some examples of the variations in the items checked in compulsory testing of private vehicles in Western countries.

Mr. Peyton

In Great Britain the car test covers brakes, steering, tyres, headlights, side lights and reflectors and safety belts. Examples of additional items tested in Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden, and Maryland (USA) are:

  • anti-theft device*
  • battery*
  • body alignment*
  • bumpers*
  • dashboard lights
  • direction indicators
  • door handles and latches*
  • engine*
  • exhaust system
  • fuel tank
  • horn
  • licence plate lamps
  • mirror
  • noise*
  • milometer*
  • shock-absorbers
  • speedometer
  • stop lights
  • trailer coupling (where applicable)*
  • tools and prescribed accessories*
  • wheel balance*
  • windscreen wipers
  • wings and bonnet*
  • *Not in all four states.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps designed to improve the standard of carrying out of compulsory tests on private vehicles as a means of reducing road accidents; and if he will make a statement on what has been done in this regard in the recent past.

Mr. Peyton

Tests of heavy vehicles are carried out by my Department's vehicle examiners to a high standard. I am examining with the organisations concerned ways of getting more uniform standards for the MOT test of private cars.