What Car? Q&A - Are bull bars illegal?

Q: I was under the impression it was illegal to have bull bars fitted to your car. Is this correct? The reason I ask is that a local ice-cream van has them, and I am worried that a child could be seriously injured or worse. Can I do anything about it?
Nicki Woodward

A: There is currently a gentlemen's agreement among car manufacturers not to fit bull bars to new vehicles. This doesn't stop owners fitting aftermarket bars to their cars, though.

You will be pleased to know that from May 25 it will be illegal to fit bull bars unless they conform to stringent EU safety regulations (ie they are made from a flexible material). Distributors who continue to sell the old-style metal bull bars after this date will face imprisonment.

Unfortunately, there is very little you can do about the ice cream van in your area, as the bars are already fitted. You could always speak to the driver and alert him or her about the potential dangers.