Section 183: Exemptions from rail vehicle accessibility regulations
Effect
585.This section contains a power for the Secretary of State to make orders (“exemption orders”) authorising a regulated rail vehicle to be used in passenger service even though it does not comply with accessibility standards, or the way it is to be used would not comply with such standards.
586.It provides for regulations to specify who may apply for an exemption order, what information needs to be supplied, how the exemption regime will operate, how long an exemption order can apply and measures for revocation. This list is not exhaustive.
587.Before granting an exemption order, the Secretary of State must first consult the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee and such other persons as considered appropriate.
Background
588.This section replicates the provisions of section 47 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
Example
The exemption power can be used to exempt a specified rail vehicle, or a rail vehicle of a specified description or the use of such a vehicle in specified circumstances. So, for example, all the vehicles used on a particular network (such as a heritage or tourist railway or tramway) could be exempted.