HC Deb 23 January 2003 vol 398 cc508-9W
Mr. Michael Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the(a) desirability and (b) level of use of seat belts for passengers on coaches. [91761]

Mr. Jamieson

The Government have for many years encouraged the wide use of seat belts, as they can significantly reduce injuries in many types of accidents. Indeed, since 1 October 2001, seat belts have been required in all new minibuses, coaches and buses—apart from those specifically designed for urban use with standing passengers. However, no assessment has been made by observation of the use of seat belts by coach passengers.

Mr. Michael Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from coach operators about the wearing of passenger seat belts; and if he will make a statement. [91762]

Mr. Jamieson

No such representations have been received from coach operators. However, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents bus and coach operators, responded to an informal consultation by the Department in May 2001 for views on the proposals in the draft EU Directive on seat belt wearing.

Mr. Michael Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to strengthen the regulations governing the use of seat belts for passengers in buses and coaches; and if he will make a statement [91765]

Mr. Jamieson

The terms of an EU Directive, presently under consideration, will require seat belts to be used in the rear of buses and coaches where they are provided. Seat belt wearing is already compulsory in the UK for the drivers and front seat passengers in all vehicles, and in the rear of mini-buses under 2.54 tonnes unladen weight (roughly 16 seats).