Requirement No.7 - Wheelchair access
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FOR INCLUSION IN REGULATIONS |
FOR ACCOMPANYING GUIDANCE |
EXPLANATION |
| 7. Wheelchair access |
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| 7.1 The requirements listed in this specification are to accommodate a wheelchair of the dimensions shown in diagram 7. (Reference wheelchair). |
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One of the main purposes of the regulations is to allow people who travel whilst remaining in their wheelchair to use taxis. Therefore all taxis must have sufficient space to carry a standard size wheelchair and allow it to be manoeuvred in and out of the vehicle. |
| 7.2 There must be at least one doorway through which a wheelchair and occupant can enter. This doorway must be located at the rear or nearside of the vehicle. |
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Access is proposed only from the rear or nearside of the vehicle. Offside access has been ruled out because it would require drivers and passengers to be exposed to risk from traffic. |
| 7.3 This doorway must provide a minimum unobstructed space through which a template of 1350mm high and 780mm wide as shown in diagram 8 may be passed through the doorway, in a plane at right angles to the direction in which the wheelchair user would be entering the vehicle. The minimum dimensions shown in diagram 8 allow for doorway curvature. |
See diagram 8 |
The minimum dimensions of this template allows for doorways with curved corners. The height dimension will allow most wheelchair users to enter the vehicle without bending their neck. |
