Proposal to enhance the safety of the belted passenger seated behind a seat by removing two derogations for buses and coaches for two-point belts.

Proposal to enhance the safety of the belted passenger seated behind a seat by removing the two of the derogations for two-point belts in buses and coaches laid down in paragraphs 5.3.5. to 5.3.5.4.

Presentation on the background and scope of the proposal to amend

10. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-73-06 to propose a new series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16 that remove the derogations for the two-point safety belts (GRSP-70-05). He recalled to GRSP that GRSP-70-07, introduced at the seventieth session of GRSP, showed evidence of an insufficient level of safety with two-point belts. He concluded that equipping buses with three-point safety belts was a cost-effective way to increase safety for passengers. The expert from the Netherlands in principle supported the proposal and asked a time reservation. The expert from Italy also requested time reservation. The expert from the United Kingdom informed GRSP of a low number of bus crash casualties in his country. The expert from OICA recalled GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 that were introduced by the expert from Finland at the seventieth session of GRSP, and requested clearer evidence of the benefit of three-point safety-belts, including for other countries. The expert from Germany also stated a low number of bus casualties in his country; GRSP noted that he would provide further statistics at its December session. The expert from Japan also informed of a low number of bus casualties and noted there was no evidence that three-point belts would be beneficial. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session based on a revised proposal and requested its experts to provide further statistical data. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-73-06 should be confirmed for submission as an official document.

10. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-73-06 to propose a new series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16 that remove the derogations for the two-point safety belts (GRSP-70-05). He recalled to GRSP that GRSP-70-07, introduced at the seventieth session of GRSP, showed evidence of an insufficient level of safety with two-point belts. He concluded that equipping buses with three-point safety belts was a cost-effective way to increase safety for passengers. The expert from the Netherlands in principle supported the proposal and asked a time reservation. The expert from Italy also requested time reservation. The expert from the United Kingdom informed GRSP of a low number of bus crash casualties in his country. The expert from OICA recalled GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 that were introduced by the expert from Finland at the seventieth session of GRSP, and requested clearer evidence of the benefit of three-point safety-belts, including for other countries. The expert from Germany also stated a low number of bus casualties in his country; GRSP noted that he would provide further statistics at its December session. The expert from Japan also informed of a low number of bus casualties and noted there was no evidence that three-point belts would be beneficial. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session based on a revised proposal and requested its experts to provide further statistical data. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-73-06 should be confirmed for submission as an official document.

Proposal to enhance the safety of the belted passenger seated behind a seat by removing the two of the derogations for two-point belts and supports the usage of three-point belts also in buses.

13. GRSP noted GRSP-73-07 that complements the proposal on safety-belt anchorages (paragraph 10) and removes derogations for two-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session based on a revised proposal and requested its experts to provide further statistical data. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-73-07 should be confirmed for submission as an official document before the deadline.

15. GRSP resumed discussion on the mandatory fitting of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. The expert from Finland introduced a presentation (GRSP-71-07) justifying the introduction of 3-point safety-belts on buses and proposing an official document for the December 2022 session of GRSP to remove the lap belt derogations from the UN Regulations Nos. 14 (Safety-belt anchorages) and 16. He clarified that his intention was not to amend UN Regulation No. 80 but to amend UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16. The expert from OICA underlined that it was relevant to investigate what the driver should do in situations when a passenger was not wearing a safety-belt. He suggested that the issue be addressed to the expert of the International Road Union on the consequences of driver’s operators. He also recalled to GRSP the cost benefit analysis introduced by the expert from Finland (GRSP-70-07) at the December 2021 session of GRSP. He argued that analysis was the result of a low number of vehicles and data, and he requested more data from accidents. The expert from United Kingdom proposed data from his country. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2022 session on the basis of a proposal tabled by the expert from Finland, concerning the mandatory fitment of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. GRSP also agreed that the proposal would be supported with statistical data on accidents linked to this subject, provided by the contracting parties to show evidence of the safety issue addressed by the expert from Finland.

39. The expert from Finland, on behalf of the IWG on Database for Exchange of Approval documentation (DETA) introduced the proposal for extension of DETA to improve the use of the Unique Identifier (UI) for UN Regulations (GRSP-70-04). He also added that the UI would be available at the end of next year due to software adaptation. GRSP for the time being noted that the use of UI could not be applied to UN Regulations Nos. 22, 44 and 129. He clarified that for these UN Regulations enforcement authority needed type approval data at hand to comply with enforcement controls.

13. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 justifying the introduction of three-points safety-belts on buses. The expert from the Netherlands supported the initiative. The expert from EC stated that he was open to consider the proposal but would like to see the initiative paired with safety belt reminders to ensure maximum benefit. The expert from Sweden supported the initiative from Finland. However, she asked for more about negative consequences, especially about occupant evacuation. The expert from OICA supported the need for accident data from other regions and review them carefully before drawing conclusions; he also noted that it would be useful to review the UN Regulation No. 80 requirements before deleting the possibility of two point-belts, which would have huge consequences. GRSP finally agreed to resume discussion on the proposal of the expert from Finland on the basis of broader data at its next sessions.

15. GRSP resumed discussion on the mandatory fitting of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. The expert from Finland introduced a presentation (GRSP-71-07) justifying the introduction of 3-point safety-belts on buses and proposing an official document for the December 2022 session of GRSP to remove the lap belt derogations from the UN Regulations Nos. 14 (Safety-belt anchorages) and 16. He clarified that his intention was not to amend UN Regulation No. 80 but to amend UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16. The expert from OICA underlined that it was relevant to investigate what the driver should do in situations when a passenger was not wearing a safety-belt. He suggested that the issue be addressed to the expert of the International Road Union on the consequences of driver’s operators. He also recalled to GRSP the cost benefit analysis introduced by the expert from Finland (GRSP-70-07) at the December 2021 session of GRSP. He argued that analysis was the result of a low number of vehicles and data, and he requested more data from accidents. The expert from United Kingdom proposed data from his country. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2022 session on the basis of a proposal tabled by the expert from Finland, concerning the mandatory fitment of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. GRSP also agreed that the proposal would be supported with statistical data on accidents linked to this subject, provided by the contracting parties to show evidence of the safety issue addressed by the expert from Finland.

10. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-73-06 to propose a new series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16 that remove the derogations for the two-point safety belts (GRSP-70-05). He recalled to GRSP that GRSP-70-07, introduced at the seventieth session of GRSP, showed evidence of an insufficient level of safety with two-point belts. He concluded that equipping buses with three-point safety belts was a cost-effective way to increase safety for passengers. The expert from the Netherlands in principle supported the proposal and asked a time reservation. The expert from Italy also requested time reservation. The expert from the United Kingdom informed GRSP of a low number of bus crash casualties in his country. The expert from OICA recalled GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 that were introduced by the expert from Finland at the seventieth session of GRSP, and requested clearer evidence of the benefit of three-point safety-belts, including for other countries. The expert from Germany also stated a low number of bus casualties in his country; GRSP noted that he would provide further statistics at its December session. The expert from Japan also informed of a low number of bus casualties and noted there was no evidence that three-point belts would be beneficial. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session based on a revised proposal and requested its experts to provide further statistical data. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-73-06 should be confirmed for submission as an official document.

13. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 justifying the introduction of three-points safety-belts on buses. The expert from the Netherlands supported the initiative. The expert from EC stated that he was open to consider the proposal but would like to see the initiative paired with safety belt reminders to ensure maximum benefit. The expert from Sweden supported the initiative from Finland. However, she asked for more about negative consequences, especially about occupant evacuation. The expert from OICA supported the need for accident data from other regions and review them carefully before drawing conclusions; he also noted that it would be useful to review the UN Regulation No. 80 requirements before deleting the possibility of two point-belts, which would have huge consequences. GRSP finally agreed to resume discussion on the proposal of the expert from Finland on the basis of broader data at its next sessions.

15. GRSP resumed discussion on the mandatory fitting of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. The expert from Finland introduced a presentation (GRSP-71-07) justifying the introduction of 3-point safety-belts on buses and proposing an official document for the December 2022 session of GRSP to remove the lap belt derogations from the UN Regulations Nos. 14 (Safety-belt anchorages) and 16. He clarified that his intention was not to amend UN Regulation No. 80 but to amend UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16. The expert from OICA underlined that it was relevant to investigate what the driver should do in situations when a passenger was not wearing a safety-belt. He suggested that the issue be addressed to the expert of the International Road Union on the consequences of driver’s operators. He also recalled to GRSP the cost benefit analysis introduced by the expert from Finland (GRSP-70-07) at the December 2021 session of GRSP. He argued that analysis was the result of a low number of vehicles and data, and he requested more data from accidents. The expert from United Kingdom proposed data from his country. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2022 session on the basis of a proposal tabled by the expert from Finland, concerning the mandatory fitment of 3-point safety-belts on buses and coaches. GRSP also agreed that the proposal would be supported with statistical data on accidents linked to this subject, provided by the contracting parties to show evidence of the safety issue addressed by the expert from Finland.

10. The expert from Finland introduced GRSP-73-06 to propose a new series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 14 and 16 that remove the derogations for the two-point safety belts (GRSP-70-05). He recalled to GRSP that GRSP-70-07, introduced at the seventieth session of GRSP, showed evidence of an insufficient level of safety with two-point belts. He concluded that equipping buses with three-point safety belts was a cost-effective way to increase safety for passengers. The expert from the Netherlands in principle supported the proposal and asked a time reservation. The expert from Italy also requested time reservation. The expert from the United Kingdom informed GRSP of a low number of bus crash casualties in his country. The expert from OICA recalled GRSP-70-06 and GRSP-70-07 that were introduced by the expert from Finland at the seventieth session of GRSP, and requested clearer evidence of the benefit of three-point safety-belts, including for other countries. The expert from Germany also stated a low number of bus casualties in his country; GRSP noted that he would provide further statistics at its December session. The expert from Japan also informed of a low number of bus casualties and noted there was no evidence that three-point belts would be beneficial. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session based on a revised proposal and requested its experts to provide further statistical data. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-73-06 should be confirmed for submission as an official document.

Corrects the cross-reference to the correct text. The paragraph 3.3. of Annex 6 is “Drawbar couplings and draw beams” and the paragraph 3.6 is “Drawbars”. Subparagraphs 3.6.1.–3.6.3. prescribe the tests of the drawbars

57. The secretariat introduced official documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/22 a Proposal for Supplement 10 to 01 series of amendments and a Proposal for Supplement 2 to 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55 which has been submitted for consideration in 185th November 2021 session of WP.29. The secretariat also introduced official documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/22 a proposal for Supplement 10 to 01 series of amendments and Supplement 2 to 02 series to UN Regulation No. 55 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/21 a proposal for Corrigendum 2 for the 01 series of amendments and Corrigendum 1 for the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55. The secretariat recalled that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/21 was based on informal document GRSG-121-06 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/22 was based on informal document GRSG-121-42 and these documents have not been further processed by the Treaty Section of the Office of Legal Affairs in New York.

58. GRSG considered and endorsed official documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/105 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/153 for voting at the November 2021 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1. GRSG also considered and adopted official documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/21 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/22 for submission and vote at the March 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

Document revised to reflect CLEPA review.

Proposal to correct an erroneous cross-reference regarding drawbars of Class E.

55. The expert from Finland presented a proposal for Corrigendum 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55 (GRSG-121-06), in order to correct an internal reference within the text.

56. GRSG considered and endorsed document GRSG-121-06 proposing a corrigendum to UN Regulation No. 55, requesting its submission as an official document for consideration at the October 2021 session of GRSG.

28. The expert from Finland introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/8, containing proposals for supplement 9 to the 01 series of amendments and for supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55, and document GRSG-118-35 revising the proposal for supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55.

29. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/8, on amendments to UN Regulation No. 55, as amended by GRSG-118-35, and agreed to submit it for consideration and vote at the November 2020 session of WP.29/AC.1.

GRSG to approve the text prepared by the expert from the Finland to update the provisions on mechanical couplings. The text clarifies the interpretation of wording for the articulation provided by flexible components.

28. The expert from Finland introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/8, containing proposals for supplement 9 to the 01 series of amendments and for supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55, and document GRSG-118-35 revising the proposal for supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55.

29. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2020/8, on amendments to UN Regulation No. 55, as amended by GRSG-118-35, and agreed to submit it for consideration and vote at the November 2020 session of WP.29/AC.1.

Finnish Safety Investigation Authority has given a recommendation to introduce a change UN Regulation No 80 regarding the structure of the back part of seats for the purpose of making them safer, by adding padding and removing hard protrusions located right in the front of passengers.

Finnish Safety Investigation Authority has given recommendation to equip the seats of category M₂ and M_{3</ vehicles with lap and shoulder belt type seat belts, i.e. three-point seat belts.}

11. Finally, GRSP agreed to defer discussion (GRSP-66-08) on the possibility to have three-point safety-belts in M2 and M3 categories of vehicles, to its December 2020 session.

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.

14. GRSP agreed to defer discussion at its December 2021 session on GRSP-66-08, concerning the possibility to have three-point safety-belts in M2 and M3 categories of vehicles.

Proposal to clarify that the term “special joint” does not include flexible components supporting coupling articulation (as is pertinent to Class C50 couplings).

37. The expert from EC introduced GRSG-117-25 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2019/6 to update the provisions on removable mechanical couplings fitted to motor vehicles, particularly on the need to provide clear information to the driver. The expert from Finland introduced GRSG-117-06 with further amendments to UN Regulation No.55 clarifying flexible components of the articulation.

38. GRSG adopted GRSG-117-25 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2019/6 and requested the secretariat to add, based on the related part of GRSG-117-06, an updated Annex 3 on the approval mark and to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 as draft 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 55 for consideration at their March 2020 sessions.

39. GRSG agreed to resume consideration on GRSG-117-06 on basis of new working documents and on GRSG-117-09 at its next session.