Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 6 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 8 May 2009. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Buses: EU Law

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of changing UK safety standards for buses in the light of EU Directive 2007/46/EC, with particular reference to the testing of seating and buggy space for passenger safety.

Answer: The Department for Transport has made no specific assessment of the merits of introducing EU Directive 2007/46/EC with respect to the safety of seating and buggy spaces on buses.The seating requirements contained within current national regulations and those referred to in the new European directive are similar, but neither contains specific provisions for buggy spaces. General vehicle safety regulations would prevent a vehicle entering service which presented a clear hazard to its passengers or other road users.

Secondary information