The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998

Wheelchair space specifications

16.—(1) A wheelchair space shall comply with the following specifications:

(a) the space shall be not less than 1300 millimetres long measured in the longitudinal plane of the regulated rail vehicle and not less than 750 millimetres wide measured in the transverse plane of that vehicle;

(b) subject to regulation 18 there shall be no obstruction of the space between the floor and the ceiling of the regulated rail vehicle, other than an overhead luggage rack or an openable window (if fitted);

(c) at one end of the space there shall be a structure or fitting which shall have a minimum width of 700 millimetres and shall be capable of preventing a reference wheelchair, which has been positioned with its back against the structure or fitting, from moving or tipping towards the structure or fitting, whether or not that movement or tip includes a sideways movement or tip.

(d) no magazine rack or other fitting for the use of other passengers shall be accessible through the space, other than an overhead luggage rack or an openable window (if fitted);

(e) the space shall be fitted with a device which shall—

(i) enable a disabled person in a wheelchair to communicate with a person who is in a position to take appropriate action in an emergency;

(ii) be placed within reach of a person in a reference wheelchair;

(iii) be operable by the palm of a person’s hand; and

(iv) not require a force greater than 30 newtons for operation

(f) a sign conforming to diagram C in the Schedule shall be marked on the fixed structure.

(2) (a) If a wheelchair space is not needed by a disabled person in a wheelchair folding or tip-up seats may be used in that space.

(b) When folded or tipped up those seats shall not project into the space.