Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which individuals have been commissioned to undertake research into tyre ageing on buses and coaches; and when he will publish the results of such research.

The Department has consulted with representatives of the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation, Michelin, Bandvulc Tyres, the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association and the Retread Manufacturers Association.

Further research is being planned but has not yet been commissioned. The outcomes will be available next year.