§ Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there is an exemption order for the fleet of new Class 170/5 and 170/6 trains to be introduced into service by Central Trains Ltd. in respect of any of the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [125526]
§ Mr. HillWe have received an application from Central Trains Ltd. relating to the new Class 170/5 and 170/6 trains they wish to introduce into service. The exemptions have been discussed with our statutory advisers the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. An exemption order relating to the exemption of these trains was laid in Parliament on Thursday 1 June. Copies are available from the Library.
The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed, we believe that the introduction of the new trains will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people.