Written question asked by Matthew Banks (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 1997. It was answered by John Watts (Conservative) on Monday, 17 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: If he will extend the testing of road construction products in respect of the safety of cars to cover the safety of motorcyclists.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will extend the testing of road construction products in respect of the safety of cars to cover the safety of motorcyclists. [20087] Mr. Watts: No. Many construction products are already tested for their suitability in terms of safety and other requirements in a general way that covers all classes of vehicle. In the case of construction products which aim to restrain or redirect errant vehicles, testing is not undertaken specifically in respect of motor cycles as it has not been possible to devise a test that is both appropriate and repeatable because of the instability of motor cycles under such conditions. The development of tests in the UK and Europe has concentrated, therefore, on the performance of such products when impacted by cars and heavier vehicles.

Secondary information