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European Parliament backs safety: "bull bar" ban and softer bonnets
June 13, 2002 12:00 AM
An immediate ban on bull bars, introduction of ABS, and strict testing to ensure softer and therefore safer car bonnets, were backed today by the European Parliament as part of a package of pedestrian safety measures. The European Liberal Democrats were instrumental in brokering a compromise whereby an industry commitment will be followed later by framework legislation.
Today's vote gives the green light to a negotiated agreement to which the car industry has signed up following dialogue with pedestrian safety campaigners. Bull bars will be banned not only on new cars when sold but also as spare part accessories added later. The car industry has also pledged to introduce anti-lock braking (ABS) on all cars by 2005.
London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford welcomed the outcome of the vote:
"Pedestrians - especially children - cyclists and motorcyclists involved in car accidents will be safer as a result of this comprehensive package. Bull bars in urban areas are ridiculous! We have ensured that new technological developments, such as airbags on car bonnets, will also be encouraged to further protect pedestrians."
She added: "I am glad that, while the package requires Daytime Running Lights to be installed, it also insists that the driver should be able to turn them off. Personally I hope the UK government will make DRL illegal as I believe they make motorcyclists less visible and give drivers a dangerous sense of superiority and invulnerability."
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