9. Referring to the proposal tabled (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15 and GRSP-66-14 amending it) by the expert from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), GRSP agreed to defer discussion on the subject of an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat at its May 2020 session. This is with the aim of allowing dialogue between interested parties whose meetings would possibly finalize a proposal by February 2021.

10. The expert from Finland reiterated his proposal (GRSP-66-08) on the possibility to have three-point safety-belts in M2 and M3 categories of vehicles. The expert from OICA argued that provisions on the fitting of safety-belts for buses are already in place in UN Regulations Nos. 16 and 80 (Strength of seats and their anchorages (buses)). The expert from EC clarified that for buses only the two-point belt fitting was mandatory on non-exposed seats. However, EC expert recommended that mandatory fitting of three-point safety-belts should be coupled by mandatory fitting of safety-belts reminders. The expert from Spain confirmed the statement of the expert from EC and informed GRSP that during the discussions within the IWG on how to secure children in buses, the group highlighted problems related to the use of two-point safety-belts. The expert from OICA recommended a real-world accident data approach to avoid lengthy discussion without any reasonable solution in sight. The expert from the Netherlands also recommended verifying accident data to provide basis for discussion. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2021 session.