The recent Scottish case of Fife Scottish Omnibuses Limited t/a Stagecoach East Scotland discussed the issues of compliance with the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR). It highlighted that operators can end up at a public inquiry if they aren’t compliant.
The case reminded operators of the importance of ensuring that PSVAR accessibility features are maintained in good condition, that they function correctly and that drivers are aware of how to use these accessibility features.
The case highlighted the assistance operators have on the topic, as set out in the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, which states:
“The Public Service Vehicles (PSV) Accessibility Regulations apply to any Public Service Vehicle with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers used to provide a scheduled service or local service. These vehicles are referred by regulation as ‘regulated public service vehicles’…
The features within these requirements include:
- A wheelchair space with suitable safety provisions
- A boarding device to enable wheelchair users to get on and off the vehicles
- A minimum number of priority seats on buses for disabled passengers
- The size and height of steps
- Handrails to assist disabled people
- Colour contrasting features such as handrails and steps to help partially- sighted passengers
- Easy-to-use bell pushes throughout a bus
- Audible and visual signals to stop a bus or to request a boarding device
- Equipment to display route and destination
Familiarisation with all the features of a vehicle is important. Operators must ensure that drivers are fully aware of the form and function of accessibility features required by PSVAR.
These features must be taken into account within any safety inspection or drivers walkaround check to ensure these features are maintained in good condition and function correctly…”
In the above-mentioned Scottish case, a general warning was issued to all PSV operators. The DTC for Scotland stated that:
“Other PSV operators should take note of, and follow, the clear guidance set out in the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness at 5.9:-
“Familiarisation with all the [PSVAR] features of a vehicle is important. Operators must ensure that drivers are fully aware of the form and function of accessibility features required by PSVAR.
These features must be taken into account within any safety inspection or drivers walkround check to ensure these features are maintained in good condition and function correctly…”
The DTC went on to warn operators that “PSV operators should be left in no doubt that failure to comply with this guidance is not acceptable and can result in the loss of a PSV licence.”
Our specialist team can support you with compliance awareness so that you do not get caught out by changes. Contact Jared Dunbar today for help.