Coach roof regs next year
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NEW REGULATIONS for the construction of single-deck public service vehicles are expected to come into force early next year, Dr John Gilbert, the Minister for Transport, said this week.
In a letter to Mr Gwilym Roberts, Labour MP for Can nock, he wrote : "These regulations cover most aspects of psv construction including the strength of the superstructure and require the roof to be capable of supporting a static load equal to the technical maximum weight of the vehicle up to a maximum of 10 tonnes."
Dr Gilbert said Britain had joined with France to cosponsor this new submission to the EEC council. "Although this is a considerable improvement it must be regarded as something of an interim measure," he said. Research was being carried out in the EEC to develop solutions to psv safety problems, but was unlikely to be completed until mid-1977.
New braking standards are expected also to be included, but Dr Gilbert said in the House of Commons this week that these would not include compulsory fitment of the Telma retarder.
All the current products of the British coachbuilders will have no trouble in conforming to these roof strength regulations. In fact, the builders expect the ultimate European standard to be far tougher. The Duple Dominant, Plaxton Elite and the Willowbrook models will all support a static load far in excess of 10 tonnes.
The coachbuilders see the greatest danger to passengers in the proliferation of older, wooden-framed coaches.