§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many road(a) injuries and (b) fatalities occur each year from the loss of wheels from heavy goods and passenger vehicles; and what research his Department intends to undertake into this issue. [2652]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonData on the specific causes of accidents are not routinely collected, and therefore figures on the number of fatalities and injuries arising from accidents due to wheel loss are not available.
Following joint discussions with the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Association of Chief Police Officers, a nation-wide survey looking at the extent of the problem of wheel detachment from heavy goods vehicles and passenger vehicles was started in February this year. The survey has recently finished and the results are being analysed. The need for further action will be considered in light of the survey's findings.
The Department is also about to launch an updated leaflet providing guidance on correct maintenance procedures to help reduce incidents of wheel detachment.