570.This section allows the Secretary of State to approve a public service vehicle as a “type vehicle” if the relevant technical requirements are met, and the issue of an approval certificate if a particular vehicle conforms with a “type vehicle”. This allows a design of vehicle to be approved as meeting the technical and accessibility requirements. It also contains a power for the Secretary of State to make regulations relating to applications and the issue (or copies) of approval certificates and providing for vehicle examinations.
571.The Secretary of State can withdraw approval for a “type vehicle” at any time. When this happens, no further approval certificates may be issued. The certificates issued prior to withdrawal remain valid.
572.This section replicates the provisions contained in section 42 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
A particular bus manufacturer’s chassis in combination with a body is approved as a “type vehicle”, and approval certificates are issued in respect of buses conforming to this design. Modifications are subsequently made to the “type vehicle” which mean that it no longer meets the technical requirements, so its approval as a “type vehicle” is withdrawn and no approval certificates will be issued in respect of buses conforming to the modified design.