Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 February 1998. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the letter to the honourable Member for Linlithgow H/PSO/12079/97 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, what reply he has received from the vehicle engineering section relating to sensors mounted on vehicles intended to detect the presence of ice and/or water on the road ahead.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow H/PSO/12079/97 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, what reply he has received from the vehicle engineering section relating to sensors mounted on vehicles intended to detect the presence of ice and/or water on the road ahead; and if he will make a statement. [25298] Ms Glenda Jackson: The Department has now considered the article from the New Scientist. The method described detects ice and water only a few centimetres in front of the front tyres, and this seems to be its major limitation. Ideally such a device should measure the grip a hundred metres in front of the vehicle, so allowing the driver to be warned in advance of any danger. Whilst it is not the Department's intention at this stage to get involved in any further developments of this device, we will be pleased to hear if further work results in a sensor that can deliver useful benefits.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 25298; 305 c635-6W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Components Motor vehicles Weather Safety Technology Research Science