§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of the fatal accident involving a van and several cars on the M4 on 23 June he will institute a review of the law governing the hiring of vans for carriage of passengers; if he is satisfied with the strength of motorway crash barriers in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyIt would be premature, pending completion of police investigations, to come to conclusions on the causes of the accident or on preventative action for the future. The use of vehicles, whether on hire or otherwise, is already subject to extensive regulation under the Road Traffic Acts. I am generally satisfied with the types of safety fences used on motorways but I shall consider whether the circumstances of this case point to a need for any modifications. As with other aspects of road safety, the Department has a long term programme of research and development designed to yield improvements for the future.