Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

Communication devices

6.—(1) A communication device shall be fitted in the following positions in a regulated public service vehicle–

(a) within reach of each person seated in a priority seat;

(b) adjacent to not less than every third row of seats; and

(c) at a height of–

(i) not more than 1200mm if the communication device is for the use of seated passengers, or

(ii) not more than 1500mm if the communication device is for the use of other passengers,

measured vertically from the floor of the vehicle to the centre of the device.

(2) Any communication device shall comply with the following requirements–

(a) a communication device shall be operable by the palm of the hand;

(b) the surround of the communication device shall contrast with the device and with the surface on which the surround is mounted; and

(c) when operated, a communication device shall–

(i) provide a signal to the driver of the vehicle to stop the vehicle,

(ii) activate an audible signal which is audible in the passenger areas, and

(iii) activate at least one illuminated stopping sign on each deck of the vehicle or, in the case of an articulated vehicle, on each section of that vehicle, which is, or would be, within the field of vision of the passengers seated on a majority of the seats on that deck or in that section.

(3) An illuminated stopping sign–

(a) shall not use only capital letters; and

(b) shall display illuminated the word “stopping” or a word or words to that effect immediately a communication device is activated and until at least one of the exits is open.