Stronger coaches rejected
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• The European Commission has rejected a plan forcing manufacturers to build coaches with stronger superstructures.
British Euro MP Madron Seligman told the Commission that "their superstructures of metal and glass not only fails to afford adequate protection to passengers on impact or overturning but often exacerbates their injuries".
Commissioner Martin Bangemann says that the Commission sees no need for an EC directive governing the strength of coach superstructures. He feels that real improvements have been made in their structure over the years and says that plans to harmonise speed limits for coaches and the fitting of speed limiters will help to prevent serious accidents. Also, says Bangemann, PSV operators are free to specify seat belts on their vehicles. The European Commission says that there is no need for regulations to strengthen coach superstructures.