§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to update the 1948 Geneva convention as this applies to motor cars crossing European borders where differing regulations exist concerning head lights and tyre tread depths.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe 1949 Geneva convention was in many respects updated by the 1968 Vienna convention. Further amendments have been proposed in the appropriate working groups of the Economic Commission for Europe. The requirements on headlamps and tyres are in broad terms so as to accommodate the differences between national regulations. For example, headlamps may be white or yellow and their use may be allowed or required in built-up areas at night. Tyres must be in a state such as to ensure conditions of safety, including adhesion, even on a wet road. This implies the presence of some tread, without specifying any minimum tread depth.