§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent passenger-carrying motor coaches embody in their design and construction up-to-date safety devices; whether the provision of structural members similar to those known as roll-over bars for protecting passengers in accidents involving overturning of the vehicle are a prerequisite to the granting of a public service vehicle licence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarmichaelSafety requirements for passenger-carrying motor coaches are prescribed in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use)126W Regulations 1973 and the Certificate of Fitness, Equipment and Use, Regulations 1972. All public service vehicles are checked for compliance with these regulations in the course of examination for a certificate of fitness. All types of such vehicles are also subject to a tilt test which calls for stability of a high order. Proposals are under discussion internationally for a test to establish the roof strength of passenger-carrying vehicles.