HC Deb 14 February 1995 vol 254 c559W
Mr. Keith Hill

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the potential annual casualty reduction in respect of deaths and injuries which would arise from the implementation of the proposed European Union crash test legislation in relation to(a) frontal impacts (i) stage I angled barrier and (ii) stage 2 offset deformable barrier and (b) side impacts (iii) with ground clearance of 260 mm and (iv) with ground clearance of 300 mm.

Mr. Norris

Estimates made by the Department and the Transport Research Laboratory are as follows:

  1. (i) There is insufficient research to make a precise estimate but the overall effect on the numbers of casualties is likely to be small.
  2. (ii) Up to 65,000 deaths and serious injuries per annum in the European Union—for which some 10 per cent. in the UK.
  3. (iii) This has not been estimated. Any reduction in the height of the lower edge of the barrier below 300 mm makes the test less effective at reducing casualties in side impact accidents.
  4. (iv) Up to 25,000 deaths and serious injuries per annum in the European Union—of which some 10 per cent. in the UK.