asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take action in regard to the increasing number of young cyclists who are killed or maimed in collisions with heavy goods vehicles on the roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
614.
Written Answers. - Road Safety Measures.
613.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether, in view of the number of accidents which take the form of injury caused to cyclists who fall under the body and wheels of goods vehicles, he intends to introduce regulations compelling goods vehicles to carry side guards which would reduce the risk of this kind of accident.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 613 and 614 together.
I have already announced my intention, in principle, of making the fitting of rear underrun protection devices and side guard rails on lorries and trailers mandatory. The drafting of regulations providing for the fitting of the rear underrun protection devices is at an advanced stage. Some technical problems associated with the fitting of the side guard rails have recently been resolved. Accordingly, I propose to make regulations early next year providing that the fitting of both rear underrun protection devices and side guard rails on goods vehicles will be mandatory.