HC Deb 11 December 1985 vol 88 cc659-60W
Mr. Watts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been conducted by or for his Department into the potential benefit to the safety of bus and coach passengers involved in accidents of requiring buses and coaches to be constructed with roll over bars in the roof structure; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Research undertaken for my Department by the Cranfield Institute of Technology and the Motor Industry Research Association has been a major input into a new European standard on coach roof strength. We will shortly be publishing formal proposals to require new coaches to meet this and other safety requirements.

Mr. Watts

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents to buses and coaches in 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively, involved the rolling-over of the vehicles.

Mrs. Chalker

The number of buses and coaches which overturned after accidents in Great Britain in 1982, 1983 and 1984 is as follows:

Year Number
1982 19
1983 20
1984 12