§ Lord Harrisonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the European Union directive for accessible public transport, recently agreed in the European Parliament. [HL1665]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe European Parliament has completed its second reading of the Proposal for a Directive on Bus and Coach Construction. The Government welcome this directive, which sets minimum construction standards for new buses and coaches, including improved facilities for disabled passengers, and should assist UK manufacturers to sell vehicles throughout the European Community. The provisions on accessibility are similar to national PSV Regulations introduced on 31 December 2000 and mean that in future all buses will be required to provide wheelchair access as well as a range of other facilities for disabled passengers.