HC Deb 18 January 1988 vol 145 cc191-2W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about his Department's tests on Suzuki SJ models and his discussions with Suzuki and the Consumers Association.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

[holding answer 16 January 1989]: As indicated in my answer to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Bennett) on 14 December at columm 659, the transport and road research laboratory recently completed a series of stability tests. The results have been placed in the Library of the House. These covered a range of multi-purpose four-wheel drive vehicles, not just Suzukis. The tests were part of a continuing process by the Department to understand the vehicles' handling characteristics and to contribute to international discussions.

Results from the tests were brought to the attention of the manufacturers and the Consumers Association. The tests indicated that none of the vehicles exhibited handling characteristics which could automatically be regarded as unsafe, or that would justify the calls from the Consumers Association to ban any one model.

The Department is advising drivers that they should realise that multi-purpose vehicles cannot be expected to handle on road as well as modern passenger cars; that sudden and excessive steering manoeuvres should be avoided; and that seatbelts should be worn by rear seat passengers, as well as those in front seats, wherever possible.

Manufacturers can reduce the risks of injuries to occupants through improvements to the handling and secondary safety characteristics of the vehicles and through offering clear and improved advice to owners and drivers of the limitations of their vehicles. This advice can also cover safe road driving techniques as well as advice on other aspects such as the most appropriate replacement tyres. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has been asked to provide a list of action on these lines which manufacturers are planning to take. The Department has drawn the attention of the Motor Agents Association to the need for dealers to offer clear advice to customers about the characteristics of the vehicles.