# The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010, Paragraph 20: Wheelchair spaces (specifications)


(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).

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/432/schedule/1/paragraph/20 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/rail-vehicle-accessibility-non-interoperable-rail-system-regulations-2010/schedule-1/paragraph-20
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.