§ Mr. QuinnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amendment has been made to the exemption order for the fleet of new Class 460 trains introduced into service by Gatwick Express in respect of any of the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [141621]
§ Mr. HillWe have received a further application from Gatwick Express relating to their Class 460 trains. This seeks to amend the original Order by extending existing exemptions. 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 has been laid in Parliament.
The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed, we believe that their introduction will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people.