Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Still hope for MOT tests on trailers, says Mallaber


Still hope for MOT tests on trailers, says Mallaber

Wednesday, October 01, 2008, 07:30


AN MP says there is still hope that a campaign to introduce MOT-type tests on all trailers –- launched after the death of a four-year-old boy.

Labour MP for Amber Valley Judy Mallaber said reports that the tests would not be brought in were premature.

A campaign was launched by the family of Finlay Martin, who died in July last year after he was hit by a trailer which had become detached from a car in Old Road, Heage. He was walking with his mother, Zoe, who was seriously injured.

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition, set up by Amber Valley borough councillor Juliette Blake.

It called for reform but the Government appeared to reject the proposals yesterday when it said there would be "significant difficulties" in introducing a test.

However Ms Mallaber said research was ongoing and a final decision on MOT-type testing was yet to be made.

She said: "The Department for Transport has identified poor driving behaviour as one reason behind accidents involving trailers but further research has been commissioned and the Government is rightly waiting for its conclusions. It's not a closed door at all."

An investigation after Finlay's death found that the trailer involved had defective brakes and that a cable which should have activated the brakes when the trailer became detached from the car was missing.


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