Safety proposals
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THE DEPARTMENT of Transport is seeking views on a package of coach safety features it wants to include in UK Construction and Use Regulations.
Earlier this week the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the National Bus Company, the Bus and Coach Council and the major coach chassis and body manufacturers received a summary of the proposals and have been asked to comment by September 16. The DTp proposals are: • New single-deck coaches should meet the draft ECE roof strength standard (likely to be finalised in six to nine months).
• New coaches should have belts on the seats that do not have a scat back directly in front of them.
• New double-deck coaches should have front and rear escapes on the upper deck, and every exit should allow passengers to reach the ground without jumping.
• Fire retardant materials should be used for the soft trim in new coaches.
• Every new vehicle with nine or more passenger seats should have entrance steps, handrails and grab-handles to a laid-down specification designed to make vehicles more accessible for elderly and disabled people. Entrance steps should be lit.
• Any type of vehicle intended to carry wheelchairs should have restraint systems for the wheelchairs and passengers to a laid-down specification. The wheelchairs must be forward-facing.
In its initial reaction to the safety package, the Bus and Coach Council said that it has no objection to the roof strength proposal, provided that it is introduced by all countries.
It points out that most UKbuilt coaches already reach the draft ECE roof strength standard and so the proposed legislation would have no serious implications.
The BCC does have "serious reservations" about the efficiency of lap seat belts and would prefer to see some other type of restraint for passengers in unprotected seats.