Explanatory note

This Order authorises the use of specified rail vehicles forming Class 458 electrical multiple-units, although they do not conform with certain requirements of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 because:

• doorway warning sounds cannot be heard outside the vehicle;

• door controls are not positioned as required;

• more force than is permitted is required to operate some door control devices;

• internal door controls are not illuminated;

• the band of colour on the step-tread is too wide;

• there is no step illumination;

• handrails at external doors are not positioned as required;

• the characters for internal visual announcements are smaller than required;

• the toilet cubicle for disabled persons in wheelchairs does not meet the requirement that such a person may wash and dry his hands without moving from the toilet and the requirement that there must be sufficient space for a reference wheelchair in front of and beside the toilet; and

• no hinged handrail is fitted in the nearest toilet to the wheelchair space.

It sets time limits on the authorisation and imposes conditions.

This Order consolidates and replaces, to the extent that they are not spent, the provisions of:

The only change of substance is the termination dates for the exemptions from regulations 5(1)(b) and 20(1)(f), which have been extended.