End in sight to battle over seatbelts in minibuses

Date: 18/04/1996

By Michael Mann

HOPES are rising that an agreement can be struck next week on new EU laws to make car-type safety belts compulsory in all minibuses operating in Europe from the year 2000.

Safety campaigners are optimistic that member state officials will vote in favour of European Commission plans to make 'three-point' belts obligatory on all minibus seats, despite stiff opposition from a group of countries led by Germany.

While proposals for lap belts in coaches are expected to be voted through without much debate, the issue of seatbelts in minibuses has proved much more contentious.

Commission officials are determined to stick to their tough line at the meeting on 23 April, but admit that there might be room for discussion on the starting date for the new regulations.

The Commission has hinted in the past that if a majority cannot be found in favour of its plans, it may be forced to refer the question to transport ministers to bring those member states opposed to tougher laws out into the open.

Its initiative follows a spate of tragic and high-profile accidents in several EU countries.

Agreement next week would bring to an end a long battle over coach and minibus safety.

The Commission came forward with the proposals now under discussion in January 1995, but its attempts to get agreement on EU-wide rules in this area began at the start of the decade.