Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/1970) (“the 2000 Regulations”) prescribe wheelchair accessibility requirements and general accessibility requirements for single-deck and double-deck buses and coaches.
It is necessary to modify the 2000 Regulations so that compliance with the Directive 2001/85/EC (OJ L42 13.2.2002 p1) (“the Directive”) is offered as an alternative, as article 2 of the Directive requires that the UK may not refuse or prohibit sale or entry into service of a vehicle, or of bodywork intended to be part of the vehicle (which may be type approved separately), if the requirements of the Directive and its Annexes are met.
Regulation 2 provides that the requirements of the 2000 Regulations specified may alternatively be met by a vehicle satisfying both the requirements of such of the Annexes as apply to it and the requirements of Annex VII to the Directive.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced and a copy placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. It also covers the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment, Use and Certification) (Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2986) and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2987). Copies can be obtained from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR. Alternatively, copies can be obtained from the Department’s website which is at www.dft.gov.uk. The Directive can be obtained from the Stationery Office (telephone: 0870 2600 5522, website: www.tsoshop.co.uk).
This Explanatory Note incorporates the Transposition Note that would otherwise be required.