(1)If it appears to a local authority that a building to which this section applies is not provided with such means of ingress and egress and passages or gangways as the authority, after consultation with the [F1fire and rescue authority], deem satisfactory, regard being had to—
(a)the purposes for which the building is used, and
(b)the number of persons likely to resort to it at any one time,
the authority shall by notice require the owner of the building to execute such work and make such provision in regard to the matters aforesaid as may be necessary.
(2)Sections 99 and 102 below apply in a relation to a notice given under subsection (1) above.
(3)If the authority are satisfied that the safety of the public requires that immediate action should be taken in the case of any building as respects which they have given a notice under subsection (1) above, they may apply to a magistrates’ court, and the court may make such temporary order as it thinks fit for the closing of the building to, or for restricting its use by the public.
(4)The person having the control of any building to which this section applies shall take steps to secure that the means of ingress and egress and the passages and gangways, while persons are assembled in the building, are kept free and unobstructed, except in so far as the local authority may, after consultation with the [F2fire and rescue authority], otherwise approve, and if he fails to do so he is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
(5)This section applies to the buildings to which section 24 above applies
(6)This section has effect subject to section 30(3) of the M1Fire Precautions Act 1971.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 71(1) substituted (1.10.2004 except in relation to W., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 57(2)(3)(e); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2
F2Words in s. 71(4) substituted (1.10.2004 except in relation to W., 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 57(2)(3)(e); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2; S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 71 excluded by Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 (c. 27, SIF 45A), ss. 26(1), 33(1)(d)
Marginal Citations