§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish a chronology of(a) research undertaken by and (b) proposals for pedestrian protection standards for cars for the Transport Research Laboratory. [11137]
§ Mr. JamiesonA major programme of research into pedestrian protection was carried out by TRL between 1992 and 1999 under project S220C/VF. This project covered TRL's input into the work of EEVC Committees WG10 and WG17 including the development of test tools, an early cost-benefit analysis, and some work on the additional problems caused by pull bars. The completion of this work coincided with the presentation of the final report of WG17 to the European Commission, covering recommendations for test tools and procedures for assessing the pedestrian protection offered by cars.
A copy of the final report of this work, "Pedestrian protection test procedures and design: Final report (April 1992 to March 1999)—TRL report 480", which gives full chronological details is being placed in the Library.
Since 1999 further work by TRL in the area of pedestrian protection has concentrated on further refinement of the test tools, some analysis of the Honda 575W Civic and a preliminary comparative benefit analysis of phase 1 of the ACEA proposals. This work will be incorporated in the final project report in late 2002. The following interim reports are being placed in the Library:
Assessment of the damped, production version of the TRL pedestrian legform impactor (unpublished project report PR/SE/030/00)Assessment of TNO's new child and adult headform impactors for EEVC (WG17) (unpublished project report PR/SE/097/00)Summary of progress towards pedestrian protection test procedures—April 1999 to March 2001 (unpublished project report PR/SE/143/00)Development of a biofidelic pedestrian and vehicle model for reviewing the EECV upper legform test energies (unpublished project report PR/SE/309/01)".TRL have not made any proposals for pedestrian protection standards for cars.
§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what parliamentary procedure he will adopt for(a) the proposed mandatory test standards for vehicles protection for pedestrians and (b) the voluntary proposals; and what procedure will be adopted by the European Parliament. [11133]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere is no formal proposal from the European Commission for the introduction of mandatory pedestrian protection test standards for vehicles. The proposal for a negotiated agreement with manufacturers is subject to full parliamentary scrutiny, and an Explanatory Memorandum was submitted on 10 October. The proposal is also currently being considered by the European Parliament.
§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when COREPER will discuss pedestrian protection standards for vehicles; what the UK objectives are at COREPER on this issue; when Ministers will next meet in the European Council to discuss it; and if he will make a statement. [11132]
§ Mr. JamiesonCOREPER plan to discuss pedestrian protection on either 7 or 9 November. Our objective at COREPER is to bring about improvements in pedestrian protection in Europe. The issue will next be discussed by Ministers at the Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism Council on 26 November.
§ Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make it his policy to adopt the highest proposed standard for pedestrian protection standards for vehicles. [11136]
§ Mr. JamiesonOur policy is to bring about the introduction of effective European measures to make car fronts safer for the benefit of pedestrians. In practical terms this means finding a reasonable balance between the technical standards proposed in the initial stages and ensuring early implementation.