MEPs KNOCK BULL BARS OFF CARS

1.36.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th May 2005

MEPs voted today in First Reading of an EU law that would ban 'rigid bull bars' on new cars, in a bid to reduce injuries to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

The new EU law1 if finally passed, would set tougher safety standards and lays down strict tests to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.

Latest Government statistics show that 7,933 pedestrians and 2,411 cyclists were seriously injured, some fatally, on UK roads during 2003. 2

The Transport Research Laboratory estimates in Britain the changes would prevent almost 140 deaths and over 1500 injuries among pedestrians and cyclists each year.3

Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Bill Newton Dunn voted in favour and welcomed the proposal. He said:

"Driving a car has become safer with the introduction of airbags and assisted braking, but pedestrians have been neglected.

"The adjustments to car design would be relatively minor, yet would have the potential to significantly reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads."