§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has(a) to update the Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 and (b) to issue guidance to the operators of public service vehicles in relation to the reasonable precautions to be taken to ensure safety of passengers after they have entered a vehicle but before they have become seated. [56844]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 are currently being amended to reflect the introduction of regulated buses and coaches under the Disability Discrimination Act. The changes apply to the use of equipment fitted to the vehicle such as ramps and lifts, additional duties towards disabled people carried in the vehicle and to the carriage of assistance dogs. The amending regulations will be laid shortly, and will apply to regulated buses and coaches from September.
As explained in my written answer to the hon. Member on 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 220W, bus drivers and conductors (where present) are already required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of passengers who are on, or who are entering or leaving, the vehicle. This regulation is long-established and well understood and we see no need to issue guidance to operators.