Leyland will tackle safety of minibuses (CORRECTED)

CORRECTION (PUBLISHED 27 JULY 1994) APPENDED TO THIS ARTICLE

LEYLAND DAF, the van manufacturer, is to fit three-point seatbelts and forward-facing seats in all new minibuses. The move follows widespread concern over the safety of minibuses, particularly those used by schools.

Ford also announced yesterday that seat-belt kits were available for factory-built Transit minibuses made between April 1986 and October 1991 at a minimum cost of pounds 350.

Leyland's initiative is the result of a pounds 1m nine-month development programme. The Anglo-Dutch firm has fitted lap belts in its 13- seater and 17-seater minibuses for two years. New vehicles on sale from September will all carry the three-point belt on forward-facing seats.

Allan Amey, chief executive, said 'We all drive on motorways and see 10-year-old converted vans being used as minibuses. That is a concern.' The company expects to recover the cost of fitting the new belts through increased orders.

Mr Amey announced the creation of 65 temporary jobs at Leyland Daf's Birmingham plant to meet an increase in production from 250 to 300 vehicles a week.

CORRECTION

Leyland Daf Vans is now known as LDV and is owned by its UK management, not as stated in yesterday's edition.