HC Deb 18 June 2002 vol 387 cc184-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when formal type approval arrangements will be introduced for minibuses; [61811]

(2) what arrangements are planned for mandatory checks of seat belt installations on non-PSV minibuses to ensure they meet legally required standards. [61810]

Mr. Spellar

My Department is considering the implementation of a national type approval procedure for all buses, including minibuses, by the end of 2003, as part of a current review of bus and coach construction and use requirements. Checks of seat belt installation would be part of that procedure.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to ensure that an(a) anti-lock braking system and (b) tachograph will be a mandatory safety feature for new buses. [61808]

Mr. Spellar

All new buses are already required to be fitted with an anti-lock braking system.

The fitting and use of tachographs is subject to a European Union (EU) Regulation from which there is an exemption for buses on routes of less than 50 kilometres.

A European Commission proposal to alter the scope of this Regulation and the EU drivers' hours rules themselves is currently being considered by member states.