HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 cc587-8W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many lives annually he estimates will be saved if coaches are banned from the right-hand lane of carriageways with more than two lanes.

Mr. Norris

We shall be able to make a full assessment of the safety benefits of the coach outside lane ban at the end of the two-year trial period when accident data are available.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has a been published on the risks related to coaches in the right-hand lane of three and four lane carriageways.

Mr. Norris

A report by Wootton Jeffreys Consultants Ltd. commissioned by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK and submitted to the Department, concluded that exposure to risk might be reduced because there would be fewer lane changes and cases of harsh braking.