Explanatory note

This Order is the fourth Commencement Order to be made in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (“the Act”). The Act extensively amends the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (“the 1995 Act”).

Article 2(1) commences various provisions of the Act on 22nd February 2010, but only for the purpose of enabling the exercise of powers to make regulations or orders. Those provisions are the duty to secure that all rail vehicles are subject to rail vehicle accessibility regulations by 2020 (article 2(1)(a)); the adjustment of the definition of “rail vehicle” to mainly include passenger vehicles used on light rail systems (e.g. metro, underground and tramways including prescribed guided transport systems) and to include pre 1999 vehicles (article 2(1)(a)); the repeal of the offence of breach of rail vehicle accessibility regulations (article 2(1)(b) and (c)); and some minor amendments and repeals (article 2(1)(b) and (c)).

Article 2(2)(a) to (c) commence those provisions, for all other purposes, on 6th April 2010.

Article 2(2)(d) commences certain other provisions of the Act on 6th April 2010. Those provisions repeal the power of the Secretary of State to make regulations to make provision as to the time when a rail vehicle, or a class of rail vehicle, is to be treated as first brought into use.