§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the quality and safety of buses in Greater Manchester. [27538]
§ Mr. NorrisEnsuring the quality and safety of buses is an integral element in the overall enforcement activities carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate.
584WThe VI is aware of concerns about the quality of some buses in use in Great Manchester and has worked with the local police to target operators with poor standards of vehicle maintenance. In the Greater Manchester and Derbyshire area during 1995–96, 12.75 per cent. of vehicles tested at spot checks were issued with immediate prohibitions and 13.38 per cent. with delayed prohibitions.
New investment by bus companies operating in Greater Manchester is expected to impact favourably on vehicle standards in the coming months.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of(a) the number of bus operators in Greater Manchester and (b) the number of occasions on which consideration has been given to withdrawing operators' licences for failing to reach and maintain an acceptable safety standard; how many licences have been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement. [27539]
§ Mr. NorrisThere are 36 bus operators running local services and claiming fuel duty rebate in the Greater Manchester area. Data about disciplinary action taken by the Traffic Commissioner are not available in the form requested.