Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 in two main respects. First, there are new requirements as to the strength of the superstructure of single decked coaches (defined as buses weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and having a maximum speed of more than 60 mph and, for the purposes of the new provisions, equipped with under-floor luggage compartments) and as to the emergency exits with which double-decked coaches are to be equipped. Secondly, there are changes in the requirements as to seat belts and their anchorages for goods vehicles, minibuses and coaches.
Regulation 4 introduces into section J (protective systems) two new regulations. New regulation 53A requires single-decked coaches first used on or after 1st April 1990 to comply with ECE Regulation 66: the effect is to require such vehicles to be built with sufficient superstructure and roof strength to provide a survival space for passengers in the event of a roll-over accident. New regulation 53B requires that either a second staircase or a means of breaking the side windows in case of emergency shall be provided in the upper deck of double-decked coaches.
Regulations 5 to 7 amend respectively regulations 46 (seat belt anchorage points), 47 (seat belts) and 48 (maintenance of seat belts and anchorage points).
The principal changes are—
to extend the requirement to fit seat belts and their anchorages to certain seats on coaches, to the front seats of minibuses constructed or adapted to carry more than 12 passengers, and to the centre front seats of minibuses, motor ambulances and motor caravans; and
to extend the requirement to fit seat belt anchorages, capable of taking lap belts, to heavy goods vehicles.
These new requirements will apply to vehicles first used on or after 1st October 1988. The current exemption from fitting a seat belt and its anchorages to the specified front seat, where there is a fixed partition separating that seat from the space alongside the driver’s seat, is revoked from that date for new vehicles. Other changes reflect amendments to the British Standards mentioned in the Regulations.
Regulations 46 and 47 as amended by these regulations are set out in the Schedule.
Copies of the British Standards (and amendments thereto) mentioned in the Regulations are available from the British Standards Institution, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE (telephone number 0908 320060).