The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010

Wheelchair spaces (specifications) E+W+S

20.—(1) A wheelchair space must not be less than—

(a) 1300 millimetres long measured parallel to the length of the rail vehicle; and

(b) 750 millimetres wide measured parallel to the width of the rail vehicle.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (12), no fittings for the use of passengers, other than disabled persons in wheelchairs, may be installed within a wheelchair space.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not restrict the installation of—

(a) an overhead luggage rack;

(b) an openable window;

(c) a handrail that conforms with paragraph 10(4) and with sub-paragraph (9) or (10); or

(d) a table or tray that conforms with paragraph 21.

(4) The wheelchair space must incorporate, at one end, a fitting with a minimum width of 700 millimetres capable of preventing a reference wheelchair, with its back against the fitting, from moving or tipping towards the fitting.

(5) The wheelchair space must be fitted with a device which—

(a) enables a disabled person in a wheelchair to communicate with a person who is in a position to take appropriate action in an emergency, to the same extent as any passenger who is not in a wheelchair can communicate with such a person by the use of an emergency alarm fitted elsewhere than in the wheelchair space;

(b) is placed within reach of a person in a reference wheelchair; and

(c) is operable by the palm of the hand exerting a force not exceeding 30 newtons.

(6) A device fitted in accordance with sub-paragraph (5) may include a protective cover to prevent accidental operation, provided that such a cover does not affect compliance with the operational requirements of that sub-paragraph.

(7) Subject to sub-paragraph (8), a sign to identify a wheelchair space must be placed immediately next to, or in, the wheelchair space and the sign must conform with either diagram B or E in Schedule 2.

(8) Where a diagram E sign is to be placed other than on a wall against which the back of a wheelchair should be placed, alternative wording to that shown in diagram E may be used on the sign to the extent necessary to advise users where to position their wheelchairs.

(9) If a wheelchair space is to have a horizontal handrail, excluding a handrail fitted in accordance with sub-paragraph (10), the handrail must—

(a) be fitted onto, and parallel with, the side of the rail vehicle;

(b) be not less than 650 millimetres and not more than 1000 millimetres in height measured vertically from the floor; and

(c) not protrude into the wheelchair space by more than 90 millimetres.

(10) If a handrail is to be fitted to the ceiling of a rail vehicle, it may protrude into a wheelchair space provided that—

(a) subject to sub-paragraph (11), it must not do so by more than 250 millimetres measured from the passenger gangway side of that space; and

(b) its height must be not less than 1500 millimetres measured vertically from the floor.

(11) In its application to a narrow width vehicle, sub-paragraph (10) (a) has effect as if for 250 millimetres there were substituted 400 millimetres.

(12) Folding or tip-up seats may be installed in a wheelchair space for the use of passengers where the space is not needed by a disabled person in a wheelchair provided the seats, when folded or tipped up, do not protrude into the minimum space required by sub-paragraph (1).