304 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it has been established whether incorrect tyre pressure has been a contributory factor to road accidents in 1999, 2000 or 2001; if so, his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4517/02]

Under road traffic law, a person may not use a mechanically propelled vehicle or a trailer in a public place if a tyre on the vehicle or trailer is not sufficiently inflated to make it fit for the use to which the vehicle or trailer is being put. Tyres should be inflated in accordance with the recommendations of the tyre manufacturer.

Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report is in respect of 2000 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Library. The reports do not identify the degree to which tyre pressure is a contributory factor to road traffic accidents.