§ 45. Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to implement the EEC recommendations on minimum tyre tread depth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe European Commission has proposed a directive on minimum tyre tread depth for cars and light vehicles used throughout the Community. The question of implementation will arise only if this directive is adopted by the Council of Ministers. It has not yet been considered by the Council. In our view the Commission's proposals would impose unnecessary costs on motorists in the United Kingdom amounting to £70 million per year, with no significant benefit to road safety. I have placed a note in the Library summarising the cost and safety issues.