§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he plans to discuss the issue of tyre tread depths with Governments of those countries enforcing a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm or above; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will list in the Official Report the minimum statutory tyre tread depths in each country for which his Department has records.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have no plans to discuss tread depths with other Governments. In use requirements for tyres are a domestic matter which each country decides in the light of local conditions. The Department does not keep complete records of minimum statutory tread depths in other countries. I would also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for York, (Mr. Gregory) on 18 April, at columns538–39. The latest informal information we have is as follows:
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European and other country tread depth standards Italy, West Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium: 1 mm over the full width France: 1 mm in the principal grooves Luxembourg, Switzerland and Japan: 1.6 mm over the full width United States of America: ⅙inch over the full width Austria: Motor cycles 1 mm over the full width Passenger cars and vans up to 3,000 kg laden weight 1.6 mm over the full width PSVs and goods vehicles 2 mm over the full width
Netherlands: Passenger vehicles for up to 9 people (including driver) 1 mm over the full width except the tyre shoulder Goods vehicles with a laden weight of up to 3,500 kgs and trailers Other goods vehicles and PSVs No tread depth, tyre must be suitable for use and have rubber over whole surface. Slight cuts in rubber are permissible. Portugal: 1 mm over ¾of width.