News Release Page Title

12 June 2000

SAM FOSTER ANNOUNCES NEW TEST FOR SEAT BELTS

Minister for the Environment, Mr Sam Foster, today announced that owners and operators who have voluntarily fitted seatbelts on mini buses, buses, and coaches must now have them checked.

The installation test, which will be introduced on 19 June 2000, will be carried out by DOE's Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) as part of the annual test. The check will apply to forward facing seats only.

Mr Foster said: "The wearing of well installed and properly maintained seat belts is a proven benefit to road safety. The aim of the new test is to ensure that bus owners and operators, who have seat belts fitted in their vehicles, install them and maintain them to the accepted standard so as to prevent serious injury and fatalities in the event of an accident.

"Because the examination will be longer, a higher fee will be required for those buses which need the installation test. The installation test will examine how well the seatbelts are secured and the structure to which they are secured."

Information leaflets and booklets are available at all DVTA Test Centres and detailed advice on the seat belt test can be obtained at: www.doeni.gov.uk/dvta/

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency, an executive Agency within the Department of the Environment is responsible for the implementation of Government policies for improving the mechanical standard of vehicles and for improving the effectiveness of its testing operations. The Agency operates from 15 test centres throughout Northern Ireland and 6 Theory test centres.
  2. The Motor Vehicle Testing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 and the Public Service Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985 have been amended to include the new seat belt installation test and the extended condition check of all seat belts.
  3. Advice and guidance about the new test has already been issued to some effected operators. Information seminars were held in April and May in Belfast, Cookstown and Londonderry. Enquiries can be made to Deirdre Walsh (028 9054 7959) or Harry Fitzpatrick (028 9054 7940) at DVTA Headquarters, Balmoral Road.
  4. For further media coverage please contact Philip Maguire DOE Press Office 02890 540013 e mail philip.j.maguire@doeni.gov.uk