§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what commitment, including provision of finance, Her Majesty's Government have received from London Regional Transport of the extension of its safe centre exit door mechanisms to all buses; what is his estimate of the date when this is likely to be achieved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloWe have not received such a proposal from London Regional Transport or London Buses Ltd. However, I understand that London Buses is currently testing a safety mechanism which automatically reopens bus doors if they come into contact with an obstruction when closing.
Safety is the Department's and LRT's highest priority. The Department has recently issued for comment draft 518W regulations which include provisions to reduce the risk of people being trapped in power-operated bus doors. The consultation period ended on 31 May and responses are now being considered.