HC Deb 18 February 1992 vol 204 cc102-3W
Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation his Department had with the European Commission on tyre tread depth prior to the adoption of EC directive 89/459.

Mr. Chope

[holding answer 11 February 1992]: The Department of Transport was consulted by the European Commission on tyre tread depth in 1986. The Department, which had recently carried out a review of the issue, reported that it was satisfied with the operation of the national laws then in force, and that the proposed change would not greatly benefit road safety while imposing an unacceptable increase in cost on the motorist.

As my right hon. Friend the Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) reported to the House on 7 June 1989, Official Report, columns 142–43, the United Kingdom voted against the measure, but it was adopted by other member states on the basis of qualified majority voting.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he has on the effect of tyre tread depth on road safety and the number of accidents.

Mr. Chope

[holding answer 11 February 1992]: Although it is recognised that an increase in legal tread depth brings about an all-round improvement in the condition of worn tyres on the road, research carried out to date has indicated that illegal tyre tread depth is a main contributory factor in less than 1 per cent. of accidents.

Tyre tread depth differences in the range 1 to 2 mm would only make a significant difference to braking distances at speeds of 50 mph or more in wet weather on smooth surfaces. Only a very small proportion of accidents occur in these conditions.