The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (South West Trains Class 458 Vehicles) Exemption Order 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order authorises the use of specified rail vehicles forming Class 458 electrical multiple-units, although they do not conform with certain requirements of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 because:

• doorway warning sounds cannot be heard outside the vehicle;

• warnings are emitted whenever the passenger doors in the sides of the vehicles are closed;

• door controls are not positioned as required;

• internal door controls are not illuminated;

• the band of colour on the step-tread is too wide;

• there is no step illumination

• handrails at external doors are not positioned as required;

• the characters for internal visual announcements are smaller than required; and

• the toilet cubicle for disabled persons in wheelchairs does not meet the requirement that such a person may wash and dry his hands without moving from the toilet and the requirement that there must be sufficient space for a reference wheelchair in front of and beside the toilet.

It sets time limits on the authorisation and imposes conditions.