Wheelchair accessible taxi vehicles inspection information

Number required - 1 (minimum)

Orientation - Either forwards or rearwards

Wheelchair space requirements

• Length 1130mm (min) 
• Width 690mm (min) 
• Height 1340mm (min)

Gradient

The slope of the floor between any two points within the wheelchair space shall not exceed 11 degrees in the longitudinal plane and 5 degrees in the transverse plane.

Acceptable intrusions into the wheelchair space

• One or more tipping, folding or easily removed seats.
• Padded head and back restraint.
• Handrails or handholds provided that they do not extend into the wheelchair space by more than 90mm.
• Wheelchair restraint system and wheelchair user restraint system and appropriate anchorages and fittings

Wheelchair user safety provisions

Every wheelchair space shall be fitted with a wheelchair tie-down system and a wheelchair user restraint system.
 

Wheelchair space requirements

• Length 1070mm (min) 
• Width 690mm (min) 
• Height 1340mm (min)

Gradient

The slope of the floor between any two points within the wheelchair space shall not exceed 11 degrees in the longitudinal plane and 5 degrees in the transverse plane.

Acceptable intrusions into the wheelchair space

• One or more tipping, folding or easily removed seats.
• Padded head and back restraint.
• Handrails or handholds provided that they do not extend into the wheelchair space by more than 90mm.
• Wheelchair restraint system and wheelchair user restraint system and appropriate anchorages and fittings

Wheelchair user safety provisions

Every wheelchair space shall be fitted with a wheelchair tie-down system and a wheelchair user restraint system.

Safe working load

300 kg (min)

Means of preventing the vehicle being driven away

Not allow the vehicle to be driven away whilst device is deployed.

Dimensions

(length applies to that outside of the overall vehicle body footprint at the ramp entry level)    

Single piece ramp

• Width 700mm (min)
• Length 1600mm (min)

Lift

• Width 700mm (min)
• Length 1200mm (min)

Ramp gradients

(can be achieved using a kneeling system)    

Side entry

• Kerb (125mm): 11 degrees (max)
• Ground: 17 degrees (max)

Rear entry

• Ground: 11 degrees (max)

Handrails

Ramps: not required

Lifts: where the platform travel exceeds a height of 500mm from the ground then a handrail must be provided.

Slip resistant surfaces

All surfaces over which a wheelchair user may travel shall have a slip resistant finish applied.

Guards

Ramps: none

Lifts: side upstands 25mm high and automatic roll-off devices fitted at least 100mm high at each end of the platform.

Colour contrasting edge markings

A band contrasting with the remainder of the boarding ramp or lift surface, 45mm to 55mm in width around and abutting the edge of the ramp or lift surface.

Control and fail-safe mechanisms for power operated equipment

Power operated equipment shall only be capable of operation from a control adjacent to the ramp or lift.

Load sensors and re-cycling mechanisms for power operated equipment

A device to stop the movement of the boarding ramp or lift if that motion is likely to cause injury.

Manual over-ride provisions for power operated equipment

A provision to repeatedly operate the equipment in the event of the power failure shall be provided.

Manual / portable ramp storage provisions

Such ramps must have a designated stowage location which can store the equipment such that it does not present a risk of injury.

Number and position - a minimum of one located on the nearside or the rear of the vehicle.
Minimum doorway width - 740mm
Minimum doorway height - 1230mm
 

There is no requirement for:

• From a wheelchair entrance to a wheelchair space   
• From a wheelchair space to a wheelchair exit   
• Floor gradient

Interior - visible advice to wheelchair user and taxi driver on positioning of wheelchair and use of wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems.    

Exterior - clear indication that the vehicle is wheelchair accessible.

Any surface over which a passenger is required to walk shall have a slip resistant finish.

At least one priority seat must be provided which may be either:

• A multi-axial moving seat which can be easily used by a passenger boarding from the kerb or ground or
• A fixed seat design
• Providing the cushion is no more than 200mm measured inwards from the entrance or
• Providing the cushion is as near as practicable to the entrance and the internal floor to roof height exceeds 1500mm.

Orientation

Forward or rear facing.

Spacing

For all forward facing priority seat configurations, the clear space in front of the SRP shall be 650mm minimum.

For facing seat configurations, the seat back separation shall be 1300mm minimum and the distance between the leading edges of each seat cushion shall be 400mm minimum.

Dimensions

All priority seats shall have a minimum width of 380mm and a depth of 340mm – 510mm.

The SRP of a fixed seat complying with the requirements of 3(b)(i) or (ii), or od a multi-axial moving seat when positioned for travel, shall have a height above the vehicle floor of 300mm – 450mm.

Additionally, the SRP of a fixed seat complying with the requirements of 3(b)(i), or a multi-axial moving seat complying with 3(a) when deployed for boarding and alighting, shall have a height above the ground of 420mm – 870mm.
 

Applies to vehicles with a floor or sill height exceeding 320mm. May be achieved with kneeling.

Dimensions

1st step from the ground shall not exceed 250mm.

Subsequent steps 100mm – 200mm.
Width 400mm minimum
Depth 190mm minimum

Design features

Steps shall be designed to be, slip resistant, minimise tripping risk and have a contrasting band along the front edge of 45mm – 55mm

Requirements for power operated steps

A device to stop the movement if that motion is likely to cause injury.

A provision to repeatedly operate the equipment in the event of power failure shall be provided.

• There is no requirement for non-fixed steps.
• Maximum number of intermediate steps from the ground to vehicle floor is two.

Position: handrails / handholds must be provided for disabled passengers entering / exiting the vehicle and when manoeuvring inside the vehicle to a seat.

Dimensions: 20mm – 35mm diameter or oval with the maximum section 30 – 35mm and the minimum section 20mm.

Design: handrails and handholds shall be slip resistant, capable of being easily and firmly gripped and visually contrast with the surroundings.
 

Lighting shall be fitted to illuminate the interior and exterior of the vehicle sufficient to allow both wheelchair users and other passengers to board and alight the vehicle in safety.

Any lighting fitted in accordance with this requirement shall have a means of preventing its operation when the vehicle is in motion if its use is likely to affect adversely the driver’s vision.

When a kneeling system is fitted a switch shall be used to enable operation and must be under the direct control of the driver. The lowering process shall be capable of being stopped and reversed and shall prevent the vehicle being driven at a speed exceeding 5mph. when the vehicle is lowered.

• All Wheelchairs shall be secured with tested and approved equipment.
• Secure storage is required for all securing equipment when not in use.
   

“boarding lift” means a lift fitted to a regulated taxi for the purpose of allowing wheelchair users to board and alight the vehicle   

“boarding ramp” means a ramp fitted to a regulated taxi for the purpose of allowing wheelchair users to board and alight the vehicle   

“contrast” means a contrast in the amount of light which is reflected by the surfaces of the parts of a regulated taxi or its equipment which is required by this specification to contrast

“cushion” means the part of the seat on which the person using the seat sits, whether padded or not   

“deep” in relation to a step, means the distance from the outer edge of the nosing of the step tread to the rear of the step tread   

“entrance” means an entrance to a regulated taxi providing access to a priority seat or a wheelchair space   

“exit” means an exit from a regulated taxi but does not include an exit which is provided for use only in case of emergency   

“external step” means the last step or platform from an entrance or an exit which leads directly from the vehicle to the ground   

“kg” means kilogram(s)   

“kneeling system” means a system which enables the bodywork of a regulated taxi to be lowered relative to its normal height of travel  

“licensed area” means the area of The City of Aberdeen  

“licensing authority” means Aberdeen City Council   

“mm” means millimetre(s)  

“normal height of travel” means the height specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer for normal vehicle travel   

“portable ramp” means a ramp which is carried in a regulated taxi for the purpose of allowing wheelchair users to board and alight from the vehicle  

“ power grip” means a grip in which the fingers and thumb are able to wrap around a handle  

“priority seat” means a seat designated as such in accordance with Paragraph 3 of Section 2 of this specification  

“private hire car” means a hire car other than a taxi as defined in Section 23 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

“reference wheelchair” means an occupied wheelchair having the dimensions shown in Diagram A  

“seat” means a seat intended for use by passengers and, accordingly, does not include the driver’s seat  

“SRP” means Seat Reference Point, which is the point at which the seat cushion and seat back join, midway across the seat cushion width. Where the seat cushion and back components do not meet, the plane of the seat back and cushion shall be projected to an intersection  

“taxi” means a hire car as defined in Section 23 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

“Taxi Inspector” means any person authorised by Aberdeen City Council to exercise the powers to carry out the duties of the Taxi Inspector or any person acting under the direct instructions or with the authority of the Taxi Inspector  

“wheelchair user” means a disabled person using a wheelchair.