Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC (98/C 17/01) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(97) 276 final - 97/0176 (COD)

(submitted by the Commission on 17 October 1997)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 100a thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty,

Whereas the internal market comprises an area without internal frontiers, in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured; whereas it is important to adopt measures to that end;

Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat;

Whereas those requirements differ from one Member State to another;

Whereas owing to differences in technical prescriptions, these vehicles have been prevented from circulating freely in the Community; whereas the adoption of harmonized requirements by all of the Member States in place of their national regulations will facilitate the proper functioning of the internal market for these vehicles;

Whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules in order, in particular, to allow the EC type-approval procedure which is the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers (1), as last amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 97/27/EC (2), to be applied in respect of each type of vehicle;

Whereas this Directive is one of the separate Directives of the EC type-approval procedure, which has been established by Directive 70/156/EEC;

Whereas, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality established by Article 3b of the Treaty, the objective of this Directive, namely the avoidance of barriers to trade within the Community through the application of EC vehicle type-approval for such vehicles, cannot be adequately attained by the Member States on account of the scale and impact of the action proposed in the sector in question, and may therefore be better attained at Community level; whereas this Directive lays down only minimum rules for the attainment of those objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end;

Whereas it is desirable to take account of the existing technical requirements adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) in its Regulation No 36 ('Uniform Provisions concerning the Approval of Large Passenger Vehicles with regard to their General Construction`), its Regulation No 52 ('Uniform Provisions concerning the Construction of small-capacity Public Service Vehicles`) and its Regulation No 66 ('Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Large Passenger Vehicles with regard to the Strength of their Superstructure`), which are annexed to the Agreement of 20 March 1958 concerning the adoption of uniform conditions for approval and reciprocal recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and parts;

Whereas, while the principal aim of this Directive is to guarantee the safety of passengers, it is also necessary to provide technical prescriptions to allow accessibility for persons of reduced mobility to the vehicles covered by the Directive, in accordance with the Commission's Transport and Social Policies; whereas every effort must be made to improve access to these vehicles; whereas, therefore, new vehicles, type-approved in accordance with this Directive and designed for the operation of scheduled urban and interurban services, should be accessible to people of reduced mobility in order to facilitate their free movement; whereas it is possible even at this stage to translate this principle into concrete requirements for vehicles of Class I, whilst appropriate technical solutions for the other classes designed to provide for scheduled urban and interurban services have to be evaluated and the relevant provisions of the Directive confirmed or adapted, if necessary, on the basis of a report by the Commission; whereas, pursuant to the principle of subsidiarity, Member States should be encouraged to make vehicles other than such vehicles more accessible to passengers with reduced mobility;

Whereas, to take account of certain specific regulations existing in some Member States, provision should be made for certain limited derogations from the general standards; whereas these derogations concern the number of service doors, the seat width and the spacing between seats for certain vehicles; whereas other Member States should have the right to refuse the registration, sale and entry into service of vehicles whose technical prescriptions derogate in this way from the main provisions of the Directive;

Whereas technical progress requires rapid adaptation of the technical requirements set out in the Annexes to this separate Directive; whereas it is appropriate to assign this task to the Commission in order to simplify and speed up the procedure; whereas in all instances where the European Parliament and the Council confer upon the Commission the power to implement rules drawn up in respect of those vehicles, provision should be made for prior consultation between the Commission and the Member States within an Advisory Committee;

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

For the purposes of this Directive:

- 'Vehicle` means any motor vehicle of category M2 and M3, as defined in Annex II A of Directive 70/156/EEC.

- 'Separate technical unit` means a device as defined in Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC.

Article 2

Member States may not refuse EC type-approval or national type-approval for a vehicle, or refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into service or use of a vehicle, on grounds relating to provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat, if the requirements of the Annexes are satisfied.

Article 3

1. Member States may grant EC type-approval to vehicles whose construction characteristics meet the derogations specified in paragraphs 7.6.1.1.bis, 7.6.1.4.bis, 7.7.8.1.bis, 7.7.8.1.1.bis, 7.7.8.4.1.bis of Annex I and 7.6.1.1.bis and 7.6.1.4.bis of Annex VIII for vehicles of Class I, A, and B not exceeding an overall width of 2,3 m and for Class I double-decker vehicles.

2. Member States may prohibit the sale, the first and all successive registrations and the entry into service of vehicles benefiting from the derogations described in paragraph 1.

3. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be reviewed, if necessary, by the Commission on the basis of a report to be drawn up by it in 2003.

Article 4

1. Vehicles of Class I designed to provide scheduled urban and interurban services shall conform either to the technical provisions laid down in Annex I, Part B or to those of Annex I, Part C, and to the requirements for at least one of the boarding aids specified in Annex VII.

2. Where necessary, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council, on the basis of a full study, a proposal to amend this Directive in order to lay down the technical requirements for Class II vehicles used for scheduled urban and interurban services.

3. Member States shall have freedom to choose the most appropriate solution to achieve improved accessibility in vehicles other than those referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 5

Item 52 of Annex IV, Part I, of Directive 70/156/EEC is replaced by the following text:

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Article 6

Any amendment necessary to adapt the requirements of the Annexes to technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 7.

Article 7

The Commission shall be assisted by the committee established under Article 13 (1) of Directive 70/156/EEC.

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

Article 8

1. Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not later than 30 June 1999. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

When Member States adopt these provisions, these shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference at the time of their official publication. The procedure for such reference shall be adopted by Member States.

2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the texts of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

3. As from 30 June 1999, Member States may not pohibit the initial entry into service of vehicles which conform to this Directive.

Member States shall apply the provisions referred to in paragraph 1 with effect from 1 October 1999.

Article 9

This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Article 10

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

(1) OJ L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 233, 25. 8. 1997, p. 1.

ANNEX I

SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR EC VEHICLE TYPE-APPROVAL OR SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT TYPE-APPROVAL OF A BODY, MODIFICATIONS OF VEHICLE OR BODY TYPE, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION AND REQUIREMENTS

This Annex, which contains the requirements for buses and coaches, is divided in three parts as follows:

Part A: Requirements common to all vehicles,

Part B: Requirements for low-floor buses,

Part C: Requirements for vehicles other than low-floor buses.

The numbering of paragraphs is common for the three parts.

PART A REQUIREMENTS COMMON TO ALL VEHICLES

1. SCOPE

1.1. This Directive applies to every single-deck, double-deck, rigid or articulated vehicle of category M2 or M3 as defined in Annex II A of Council Directive 70/156/EEC.

1.2. The requirements of this Directive do not apply to the following vehicles:

1.2.1. prison vehicles;

1.2.2. vehicles specially designed for the carriage of injured or sick persons (ambulances);

1.2.3. off road vehicles.

1.3. The requirements of this Directive apply to the following vehicles only to the extent that it is compatible with their intended use and function:

1.3.1. vehicles designed for use by police, security and armed forces;

1.3.2. vehicles which contain seating intended solely for use when the vehicle is stationary, but which are not designed to carry more than eight persons (excluding the driver) when in motion. Examples of these include mobile libraries, mobile churches and mobile hospitality units. The seats in such vehicles which are designated for use when the vehicle is in motion must be clearly identified to users.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Directive:

2.1. 'Vehicle` means a vehicle of categories M2 and M3 designed and constructed for the carriage of seated or seated and standing passengers.

2.1.1. For vehicles having a capacity exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver, there are three classes of vehicles:

2.1.1.1. 'Class I`: vehicles constructed with areas for standing passengers, to allow frequent passenger movement;

2.1.1.2. 'Class II`: vehicles constructed principally for the carriage of seated passengers, and designed to allow the carriage of standing passengers in the gangway and/or in an area which does not exceed the space provided for two double seats;

2.1.1.3. 'Class III`: vehicles constructed exclusively for the carriage of seated passengers;

A vehicle may be regarded as belonging in more than one Class. In such a case it may be approved for each Class to which it corresponds;

2.1.2. For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver, there are two classes of vehicles:

2.1.2.1. 'Class A`: vehicles designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this class has seats and shall have provision for standing passengers.

2.1.2.2. 'Class B`: vehicles not designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this class has no provision for standing passengers.

2.1.3. 'Articulated vehicle` means a vehicle which consists of two or more rigid sections which articulate relative to one another; the passenger compartments of each section intercommunicate so that passengers can move freely between them; the rigid sections are permanently connected so that they can only be separated by an operation involving facilities which are normally only found in a workshop.

2.1.4. 'Low-floor bus` is a vehicle in which at least 35 % of the area available for standing passengers (or in its forward section in the case of articulated vehicles, or in its lower deck in the case of double-decker vehicles) forms an area without steps and includes access to at least one service door. Such service door shall be suitable for the admission and discharge of persons of reduced mobility.

2.2. Definition of type(s)

2.2.1. 'Vehicle type` means a category of vehicles which do not essentially differ in the following aspects:

- body work manufacturer,

- chassis manufacturer,

- vehicle category (M2, M3),

- vehicle concept (Classes I, II, III, A and B),

- maximum technical mass of the vehicle,

- body work concept (single/double deck, articulated, low-floor),

- capacity limit (≤ 12, > 12 and ≤ 22, > 22 and ≤ 45, > 45 and ≤ 50, > 50 and ≤ 70, >

70 and ≤ 100, > 100 and ≤ 140, > 140 passengers),

- body make and body type if the body has been approved as a separate technical unit.

2.2.2. 'Body type` for the purposes of type-approval as a separate technical unit means a category of bodies which do not essentially differ in the following aspects:

- body work manufacturer,

- body work make,

- vehicle concept (Classes I, II, III, A and B),

- body work concept (single/double deck, articulated, low-floor),

- capacity limit (≤ 12, > 12 and ≤ 22, > 22 and ≤ 45, > 45 and ≤ 50, > 50 and ≤ 70, >

70 and ≤ 100, > 100 and ≤ 140, > 140 passengers),

- mass of the completely equipped vehicle bodywork, differing by 10 %,

- specified types of vehicle on which the type of the bodywork can be installed.

2.3. 'Approval of a vehicle or a separate technical unit` means the approval of a vehicle type, of a body type, or a superstructure-type as defined in paragraph 2.2, paragraph 2.2.A of this Annex or paragraph 2.2 of Annex IV, with regard to the constructional features specified in this Directive.

2.4. 'Service door` means a door intended for use by passengers in normal circumstances with the driver seated.

2.5. 'Double door` means a door affording two, or the equivalent of two, access passages.

2.6. 'Sliding door` means a door which can be opened or closed only by sliding it along one or more rectilinear or approximately rectilinear rails.

2.7. 'Emergency door` means a door intended for use by passengers as an exit only exceptionally, and in particular in an emergency.

2.8. 'Emergency window` means a window, not necessarily glazed, intended for use as an exit by passengers in an emergency only.

2.9. 'Double or multiple window` means an emergency window which, when divided into two or more parts by imaginary vertical line(s) (or plane(s)), exhibits two or more parts respectively, each of which complies as to dimensions and access with the requirements applicable to a normal emergency window.

2.10. 'Escape hatch` means a roof opening intended for use as an exit by passengers in an emergency only.

2.11. 'Emergency exit` means an emergency door, emergency window or escape hatch.

2.12. 'Exit` means a service door or emergency exit.

2.13. 'Floor or deck` means that part of the body work whose upper surface supports standing passengers, the feet of seated passengers and the driver, and may support the seat mountings.

2.14. 'Gangway` means the space providing access by passengers from any seat or row of seats to any other seat or row of seats or to any access passage; it does not include:

2.14.1. the space required to accommodate the feet of seated passengers;

2.14.2. the space above the surface of any step or staircase, or

2.14.3. any space which affords access solely to one seat or row of seats.

2.15. 'Access passage` means the passage through a doorway to a gangway.

2.16. 'Driver's compartment` means the space intended for driver's exclusive use and containing the driver's seat, the steering wheel, controls, instruments and other devices necessary for driving or operating the vehicle.

2.17. 'Unladen kerb mass (MK)` means the mass of the vehicle with bodywork in running order, unoccupied and unladen but including coolant, oils, fuel, tools, spare wheel and driver. The mass of the driver is assessed at 75 kilograms and the fuel tank(s) is (are) filled to 90 % of the capacity specified by the manufacturer.

2.18. 'Technically permissible maximum mass - (MT)` means the technically permissible maximum mass stated by the manufacturer.

2.19. 'Passenger` means a person other than the driver or a member of the crew. For the purposes of this Directive, 'passengers with reduced mobility` means all passengers who have special difficulty when using public transport, especially elderly people, disabled people and, among these, wheelchair users. Reduced mobility does not necessarily imply any form of medical impairment.

2.20. 'Member of the crew` means a person assigned to operate as a co-driver or the possible assistant.

2.21. 'Passenger compartment` means the space intended for passengers' use excluding any space occupied by fixed appliances such as bars, kitchenettes, toilets, or luggage/goods compartments.

2.22. 'Power-operated service door` means a service door which is operated exclusively by energy other than muscular energy and the opening and closing of which is controlled by the driver.

2.23. 'Automatically operated service door` means a power-operated service door which can be opened (other than by means of emergency controls) only after a control is operated by a passenger and after activation of the controls by the driver, and which closes again automatically.

2.24. 'Starting prevention device` means an automatic device which prevents the vehicle being driven away from rest.

2.25. 'Driver operated service door` means a service door which normally is opened and closed by the driver.

3. APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE, OF A BODY AS A SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT OR A SUPERSTRUCTURE AS A SEPARATE TECHNICAL UNIT

3.1. The application for EC vehicle type-approval or for EC separate technical unit type-approval or for EC type-approval of a vehicle fitted with a body already approved as a separate technical unit pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type or of a body type or of a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved as a separate technical unit with regard to its special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat shall be submitted by the manufacturer.

3.2. A model for the information document is given in:

Sub-Appendix 1: for a vehicle type,

Sub-Appendix 2: for a body type,

Sub-Appendix 3: for a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved as a separate technical unit,

Sub-Appendix 4: for a superstructure.

3.3. A vehicle, a body or a superstructure representative of the type to be approved fitted with the special equipment shall be submitted to the Technical Service responsible for the type-approval tests.

4. GRANTING OF EC VEHICLE TYPE-APPROVAL

4.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EC type-approval pursuant to Article 4 (3) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be granted.

4.2. A model for the EC type-approval certificate is given in Annex II, Appendix 2:

Sub-Appendix 1: for a vehicle type,

Sub-Appendix 2: for a body type,

Sub-Appendix 3: for a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved as a separate technical unit,

Sub-Appendix 4: for a superstructure.

4.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle, type of body or type of superstructure approved, considering that Section 1 should be modified to read '. . . 5 for Sweden, 12 for Austria, 17 for Finland, 23 for Greece . . .` and considering that Section 2 shall be completed with the character 'B` if the type-approval corresponds to a body or with the character 'R` if the type-approval corresponds to a superstructure. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle, type of body or type of superstructure.

4.4. Markings

4.4.1. In the case of a body approved as a separate technical unit, the body shall bear:

4.4.1.1. the trademark or trade name of the manufacturer of the body,

4.4.1.2. the manufacturer's trade description,

4.4.1.3. the EC type-approval number specified in paragraph 4.3.

4.4.2. In the case of a structure approved as a separate technical unit, the structure shall bear:

4.4.2.1. a rectangle surrounding the lowercase letter 'e` followed by the distinguishing letters or number of the Member State granting the approval:

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4.4.2.2. in the vicinity of rectangle the 'base approval number` contained in section 4 of the type-approval number referred to in Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amendment to Directive 74/61/EEC on the date EEC type-approval was granted. In this Directive, the sequence number is 00;

4.4.2.3. the additional symbol 'R` indicating that the separate technical unit is approved as a superstructure.

4.4.2.4. Example of EC type-approval mark of a superstructure is given below (1):

>REFERENCE TO A GRAPHIC>

4.4.3. These marks must be clearly legible and indelible, even when the body and the structure are fitted on a vehicle.

5. MODIFICATION OF THE TYPES AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVAL

5.1. In the case of modifications of the vehicle type, of a type of bodywork or a type of superstructure in particular approved pursuant to this Directive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply.

6. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

6.1. Measures to ensure the conformity of production shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 10 of Directive 70/156/EEC.

7. REQUIREMENTS

7.1. Load distribution between axles and loading conditions

7.1.1. The load distribution of a stationary vehicle on level ground shall be determined in two conditions:

7.1.1.1. unladen, as specified in 7.1.3 and

7.1.1.2. laden, as specified in 7.1.4.

7.1.2. The front axle or axles shall carry not less than the percentage of mass of the vehicle shown in the table below:

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7.1.3. Unladen, for the purpose of this paragraph (7.1), and paragraph 7.3, means the vehicle in the condition described in paragraph 2.17 (unladen kerb mass MK) with the addition of 75 kg for the mass of the crew if there is a crew seat as described in paragraph 7.7.1.8.

7.1.4. Laden, for the purpose of this paragraph (7.1), means the vehicle unladen as described in paragraph 7.1.3 with the addition of a mass Q on each passenger seat, a number, corresponding to the authorised number of standing passengers, of masses Q uniformly distributed over the area S1, a mass equal to B (kg) uniformly distributed in the baggage compartments and, where appropriate, a mass equal to BX uniformly distributed over the surface area of the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage.

7.1.5. The values of Q for the different Classes of vehicle are specified in paragraph 7.3 below.

7.1.6. B(kg) shall have a numerical value not less than 100 × V (where V is the total volume of baggage compartments, in m³).

7.1.7. BX shall exert specific load of not less than 75 kg/m² over the whole surface area of the roof equipped for the carriage of luggage.

7.2. Area available for passengers

7.2.1. The total surface area S0 available for passengers is calculated by deducting from the total area of the floor of the vehicle:

7.2.1.1. the area of the driver's compartment;

7.2.1.2. the area of steps at doors and the area of any other step with a depth of less than 30 cm, and the area swept by the door and its mechanism when it is operated;

7.2.1.3. the area of any part over which the vertical clearance is less than 135 cm measured from the floor, according to paragraph 7.7.8 and disregarding permitted intrusions. In the case of vehicles to which paragraph 7.7.1.9 applies, this dimension may be reduced to 120 cm;

7.2.1.4. the area of any part of the vehicle to which access by passengers is prevented as defined in paragraph 7.9.4;

7.2.1.5. the area of any space reserved solely for the carriage of goods or luggage and from which passengers are excluded;

7.2.1.6. the area required to provide a clear works area at services;

7.2.1.7. the floor area occupied by any staircase in the vehicle.

7.2.2. The surface area S1 available for standing passengers is calculated by deducting from S0:

7.2.2.1. the area of all parts of the floor in which the slope exceeds the maximum permissible values as determined in paragraph 7.7.6;

7.2.2.2. the area of all parts which are not accessible to a standing passenger when all the seats are occupied;

7.2.2.3. the area of all parts where the clear height above the floor is less than 190 cm or, in the case of the section of the gangway situated above and behind the rear axle, and the attaching parts thereof, less than 180 cm (handholds shall not be taken into account in this connection);

7.2.2.4. the area forward of a vertical plane passing through the centre of the seating surface of the driver's seat (in its rearmost position) and through the centre of the exterior rear-view mirror mounted on the opposite side of the vehicle;

7.2.2.5. the area 30 cm in front of any seat;

7.2.2.6. any part of the surface of the floor (e.g. a corner or edge) on which it is not possible to place any part of a rectangle of 400 × 300 mm;

7.2.2.7. any surface which is not capable of circumscribing a rectangle of 400 mm × 300 mm;

7.2.2.8. in vehicles of Class II, the area in which standing is not allowed.

7.3. Number of passengers accommodated

7.3.1. There shall be on the vehicle a number (P) of seating places which conform to the requirements of paragraph 7.7.8. If the vehicle is of Class I or Class II and A, the number P shall be at least equal to the number of square metres of floor available for passengers and crew (if any) (S0) rounded down to the nearest whole number.

7.3.2. The total number N of passenger and crew accommodation for vehicles shall comply with the following inequalities:

N ≤ P + >NUM>S1 >DEN>Ssp

and

N ≤ >NUM>MT - MK - 100 V - BX >DEN>Q

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In the case of vehicles of Class III and B, S1 = 0.

The value of Q and Ssp for each Class of vehicle is as follows:

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7.3.3. When the vehicle is loaded with a number N of passengers and crew and a mass B + BX of baggage the masses on each axle and the mass of the vehicle shall not exceed the value of their respective maximum technical masses.

7.3.4. The vehicle shall be clearly marked in a manner visible on the inside in the vicinity of the front door in letters or pictograms not less than 15 mm high and numbers not less than 25 mm high, with

7.3.4.1. the maximum number of seating places the vehicle is designed to carry,

7.3.4.2. the maximum number of standing places, if any, the vehicle is designed to carry and,

7.3.4.3. the maximum number of wheelchairs which the vehicle is designed to carry, if any, and

7.3.4.4. the mass of luggage which may be carried when the number of passengers and crew in the vehicle are not causing the technical maximum mass of the vehicle, or of any axle, to be exceeded:

7.3.4.4.1. in luggage compartments (see paragraph 7.1.6),

7.3.4.4.2. on the roof if equipped for the carriage of baggage (see paragraph 7.1.7).

7.4. Stability test

7.4.1. The stability of a vehicle shall be such that the point at which overturning occurs would not be passed if the surface on which the vehicle stands were tilted to both sides in turn at an angle of 35 degrees from the horizontal.

7.4.2. For the purposes of the above test, the vehicle shall be unladen as described in paragraph 7.1.3, with the addition of:

7.4.2.1. Loads equal to Q (as defined in paragraph 7.3.2) shall be placed on each passenger and crew seat. If the vehicle is intended for standees or with a crew member who is not seated, the centre of gravity of the loads Q or 75 kg representing them, shall be uniformly distributed over the standee or crew area respectively, at a height of 875 mm. Where a vehicle is equipped to carry luggage on the roof, a uniformly distributed mass of not less than that prescribed in paragraph 7.1.7, representing such luggage, shall be secured to the roof. The other luggage compartment shall not contain any luggage.

7.4.3. The height of any step used to prevent a wheel of the vehicle form slipping sideways on a tilt test rig shall not be greater than two-thirds of the distance between the surface upon which the vehicle stands before it is tilted and that part of the rim of that wheel which is nearest to the surface when the vehicle is loaded in accordance with paragraph 7.4.2.

7.4.4. During the test, no parts of vehicle which are not intended to come into contact in normal use shall do so, nor shall any part become damaged or deranged.

7.4.5. Alternatively, a calculation method can be used to show that the vehicle will not overturn under the conditions described in paragraphs 7.4.1 and 7.4.2. Such a calculation shall take into account the following parameters:

7.4.5.1. masses and dimensions;

7.4.5.2. height of centre of gravity;

7.4.5.3. spring rates;

7.4.5.4. vertical and horizontal tyre rates;

7.4.5.5. characteristics of the control of air pressure in the air springs;

7.4.5.6. position of the centre of moments;

7.4.5.7. torsion resistance of the body.

The method of calculation is described in Appendix 1 to this Annex.

7.5. Protection against fire risks

7.5.1. Engine compartment

7.5.1.1. No flammable sound-proofing material or material liable to become impregnated with fuel, lubricant or other combustible material shall be used in the engine compartment unless the material is covered by an impermeable sheet.

7.5.1.2. Precautions shall be taken, either by a suitable layout of the engine compartment or by the provision of drainage orifices, to avoid, so far as possible, the accumulation of fuel, lubricating oil or any other combustible material in any part of the engine compartment.

7.5.1.3. A partition of heat-resisting material shall be fitted between the engine compartment or any other source of heat (such as a device designed to absorb the energy liberated when a vehicle is descending a long gradient, e.g. a retarder or a device for heating the interior of the body other, however, than a device functioning by warm water circulation) and the rest of the vehicle. All fixings clips, gaskets etc. used in conjunction with the partition shall be fire resistant.

7.5.1.4. A heating device operating other than by hot water may be provided in the passenger compartment if it is encased material designed to resist the temperatures generated by the device, emits no toxic fumes and is positioned such that no passenger is likely to come into contact with any hot surface.

7.5.2. Fuel-feed systems

7.5.2.1. No apparatus used for the fuel feed shall be placed in the driver's compartment or the passenger compartment.

7.5.2.2. Fuel lines and all other parts of the fuel-feed system shall be accommodated in positions on the vehicle where they have the fullest reasonable protection.

7.5.2.3. Twisting or bending movements and vibration of the vehicle structure or the power unit shall not subject the fuel lines to abnormal stress.

7.5.2.4. The unions of pliable or flexible pipes with rigid parts of the fuel-feed system shall be so designed and constructed as to remain leak proof in the various conditions of use of the vehicle, despite ageing, twisting or bending movements, or vibration of the vehicle structure or the power unit.

7.5.2.5. Fuel leaking from any part of the system shall be able to flow away freely to the road surface, but never onto the exhaust system.

7.5.3. Electrical equipment and wiring

7.5.3.1. All cables shall be well insulated and all cables and electrical equipment shall be able to withstand the temperature and humidity conditions to which they are exposed. In the engine compartment, particular attention shall be paid to their suitability to withstand the environmental temperature and the effects of all likely contaminants.

7.5.3.2. No cable used in an electrical circuit shall carry a current in excess of that acceptable for such a cable in the light of its mode of installation and the maximum ambient temperature.

7.5.3.3. Every electrical circuit feeding an item of equipment other than the starter, the ignition circuit (positive ignition), the glow-plugs, the engine-stopping device, the charging circuit and the battery earth connection shall include a fuse or a circuit breaker. They may however, be protected by a common fuse or a common circuit-breaker, provided that its rated capacity does not exceed 16 A.

7.5.3.4. All cables shall be well protected and shall be held securely in position in such a way that they cannot be damaged by cutting, abrasion or chafing.

7.5.3.5. Where the voltage exceeds 100 Volts RMS (root mean square) in one or more electrical circuits in a vehicle, a manually-operated isolating switch which is capable of disconnecting all such circuits from the main electrical supply shall be connected in each pole of that supply which is not electrically connected to earth, and shall be located inside the vehicle in a position readily accessible to the driver, provided that no such isolating switch shall be capable of disconnecting any electrical circuit supplying the mandatory external vehicle lights. This paragraph does not apply to high tension ignition circuits or to self-contained circuits within a unit of equipment of the vehicle.

7.5.3.6. All electrical cables shall be so located that no part can make contact with any fuel line or any part of the exhaust system, or be subjected to excessive heat, unless suitable special insulation and protection is provided, as for example to a solenoid operated exhaust valve.

7.5.3.7. All electrical cables shall comply with the prescriptions of Annex IX.

7.5.4. Batteries

7.5.4.1. All batteries shall be well secured and easily accessible.

7.5.4.2. The battery compartment shall be separated from the passenger compartment and driver's compartment and ventilated to outside air.

7.5.4.3. The battery terminals shall be protected against the risk of short circuit.

7.5.5. Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment

7.5.5.1. The vehicle shall be fitted with one or more fire extinguishers, one being near the driver's seat. Vehicles of Classes A & B shall be equipped with at least one extinguisher having a minimum test rating of 8A 34B to CEN Standard EN 3 Part 1 and at least a capacity of 2 kg. Vehicles of Classes I, II & III shall be equipped with at least one extinguisher having a minimum test rating of 21A 113B to CEN Standard EN 3 Part 1 and at least a capacity of 6 kg. The extinguishers shall not contain halogenated hydrocarbons as the extinguishant.

7.5.5.2. Space shall be provided for the fitting of one or more first-aid kits. The space provided shall be not less than 7 dm³, the minimum dimension shall not be less than 80 mm.

7.5.5.3. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits may be secured against theft or vandalism (e.g. in an internal locker or behind breakable glass), provided that the locations of these items are clearly marked and means are provided for persons to easily extract them in an emergency.

7.5.6. Materials

No flammable material shall be permitted within 10 cm of the exhaust system or any other significant source of heat unless the material is effectively shielded. Where necessary, shielding shall be provided to prevent grease or other flammable materials coming into contact with exhaust system or other significant heat sources. For the purposes of this paragraph, a flammable material is considered to be one which is not designed to withstand the temperatures likely to be encountered in that location.

7.6. Exits

7.6.1. Number of exits

7.6.1.1. The minimum number of doors in a vehicle shall be two, either two service doors or one service door and one emergency door. The minimum number of service doors required is as follows:

>TABLE>

7.6.1.1. bis. By derogation to the provisions of 7.6.1.1, Member States may permit the sale or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following provision:

Every vehicle of Class I and A not exceeding an overall width of 2,3 m shall have two doors, one service door and one emergency door on the opposite side. The minimum number of doors required is as follows:

>TABLE>

7.6.1.2. The minimum number of service doors in each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be one except that this minimum number shall be two in the case of the front section of an articulated vehicle of Class I.

7.6.1.3. For the purpose of this requirement, service doors equipped with a power operated control system shall not be deemed to be emergency doors unless they can be readily opened by hand, once the control prescribed in paragraph 7.6.5.1 has been activated if necessary.

7.6.1.4. The minimum number of emergency exits shall be such that the total number of exits is as follows:

>TABLE>

Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned number of emergency exits.

7.6.1.4. bis By derogation to the provisions of 7.6.1.4, Member States may permit the sale or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following provision:

The minimum number of exits for vehicles of Class I and A not exceeding an overall width of 2,3 m shall be such that the total number of exits is as follows:

>TABLE>

Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned number of exits.

7.6.1.5. Each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be treated as a separate vehicle for the purpose of determining the minimum number and the position of exits, except for 7.6.2.4. A number of passengers shall be determined for each rigid section.

7.6.1.6. A double service door shall count as two doors and a double window as two emergency windows.

7.6.1.7. If the driver's compartment does not provide access to the passenger compartment by means of a passageway complying with one of the conditions described in paragraph 7.7.1.1, the following conditions shall be met:

7.6.1.7.1. The driver's compartment shall have two exits, which shall not both be in the same lateral wall; when one of the exits is a window, it shall comply with the requirements set out in paragraphs 7.6.3.1 and 7.6.8 for emergency windows.

7.6.1.7.2. One or two seats are permitted alongside the driver for additional people, in which case both the exits referred to in paragraph 7.6.1.7.1 shall be doors. The driver's door shall be accepted as the emergency door for the occupants of those seats, provided that the driver's seat, the steering wheel, the engine housing, the gear level, the hand brake control etc. do not constitute too great an obstruction. The door provided for those additional people shall be accepted as the emergency door for the driver. Up to five additional seats may be fitted in a compartment incorporating the driver's compartment, provided that the additional seats and the space for these seats comply with all requirements of this Directive and at least one door giving access to the passenger compartment complies with the requirements of paragraph 7.6.3 for emergency doors.

7.6.1.7.3. In the circumstances described in paragraphs 7.6.1.7.1 and 7.6.1.7.2, the exits provided for the driver's compartment shall not count as one of the doors required by paragraphs 7.6.1.1 to 7.6.1.2, nor as one of the exits required by paragraph 7.6.1.4, except in the case mentioned in paragraphs 7.6.1.7.1 and 7.6.1.7.2. Paragraphs from 7.6.3 to 7.6.7, 7.7.1, 7.7.2 and 7.7.7 shall not apply to such exits.

7.6.1.8. If the driver's compartment and seats adjacent to it are accessible from the main passenger compartment by means of a passageway complying with one of the conditions described in paragraph 7.7.1.1, no external exit is required from the driver's compartment.

7.6.1.9. If a driver's door or other exit from the compartment is provided in the circumstances described in paragraph 7.6.1.8, it may only count as an exit for passengers provided:

7.6.1.9.1. it is not necessary to squeeze between the steering wheel and the driver's seat, in order to make use of that exit;

7.6.1.9.2. it satisfies the requirements relating to the dimensions of emergency doors indicated in paragraph 7.6.3.1.

7.6.1.10. Paragraphs 7.6.1.8 and 7.6.1.9 do not preclude there being a door or other barrier between the driver's seat and the passenger compartment, provided that this barrier can be released quickly by the driver in an emergency. A driver's door in a compartment protected by such a barrier shall not be counted as an exit for passengers.

7.6.1.11. Escape hatches, additional to the emergency doors and windows, shall be fitted in the roof of the Class II, III and B vehicles. They may also be fitted in the case of Class I and A vehicles. In such cases the minimum number of hatches shall be:

>TABLE>

7.6.2. Siting of exits

Vehicles having a capacity exceeding 22 passenger seats shall meet the requirements shown below. Vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers may meet either the requirements shown below or those contained in Annex VI, paragraph 1.2.

7.6.2.1. The service door(s) shall be situated on the side of the vehicle that is nearer to the side of the road corresponding to the direction of traffic in the country in which the vehicle is to be licensed for operation and at least one of them shall be in the forward half of the vehicle. This does not preclude the provision of a door in the rear face of a vehicle for use by wheelchair passengers.

7.6.2.2. In case of more than one service door, two of the doors shall be separated such that the distance between transverse vertical planes through their centres of area is not less than 40 % of the overall length of the passenger compartment. If one of these two doors forms part of a double door this distance shall be measured between the two doors which are furthest apart.

7.6.2.3. The exits shall be placed in such a way that their number on each of the two sides of the vehicle is substantially the same.

7.6.2.4. At least one emergency exit shall be situated either in the rear face or in the front face of the vehicle respectively. For Class I vehicles, this provision is fulfilled if the escape hatch is fitted in the roof.

7.6.2.5. The exits on the same side of the vehicle shall be suitably spaced out along the length of the vehicle.

7.6.2.6. A door shall, provided that it is not a service door, be permitted in the rear face of the vehicle.

7.6.2.7. If escape hatches are fitted they shall be positioned as follows: If there is only one hatch, it shall be situated in the middle third of the roof; if there are two hatches, they shall be separated by a distance of at least 2 m measured between the nearest edges of the apertures in a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

7.6.3. Minimum dimensions of exits

7.6.3.1. The several kinds of exit shall have the following minimum dimensions:

>TABLE>

7.6.3.2. Vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers may meet either the requirements shown in paragraph 7.6.3.1 or those contained in Annex 6, paragraph 1.1.

7.6.4. Technical requirements for all service doors

7.6.4.1. Every service door shall be capable of being easily opened from inside and from outside the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary (but not necessarily when the vehicle is moving). However, this requirement shall not be construed as precluding the possibility of locking the door from outside, provided that the door can always be opened from the inside.

7.6.4.2. Every control or device for opening a service door from the outside shall not be more than 150 cm from the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on a level surface.

7.6.4.3. Every one-piece manually-operated service door which is hinged or pivoted shall be so hinged or pivoted that if the open door comes into contact with a stationary object while the vehicle is moving forwards it tends to close.

7.6.4.4. If a manually-operated service door is fitted with a slam lock it shall be of the two-stage type.

7.6.4.5. On the inside of a service door there shall not be any device intended to cover the inside steps when the door is closed. This does not exclude the presence in the step well, when the door is closed, of the door operating mechanism and other equipment attached to the inside of the door which does not form an extension of the floor on which passengers may stand. This mechanism and equipment should not be dangerous for the passengers.

7.6.4.6. If the direct view is not adequate, optical or other devices shall be installed to enable the driver to detect from his seat the presence of a passenger in the immediate interior and exterior vicinity of every side service door which is not an automatically-operated service door. In the case of a service door in the rear face of the vehicle not exceeding 22 passengers, this requirement is satisfied if the driver is able to detect the presence of a person 1,3 m tall standing 1 m behind the vehicle.

7.6.4.7. Every door which opens towards the interior of the vehicle and its mechanism shall be so constructed that its movement is not likely to cause injury to passengers in normal conditions of use. Where necessary, appropriate protection devices shall be fitted.

7.6.4.8. If a service door is located adjacent to a door to a toilet or other internal compartment the service door shall be proofed against unintentional operation. However, this requirement shall not apply if the door is locked automatically when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h.

7.6.4.9. In the case of vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers, the service doors which are in the rear face of the vehicle, the leaves shall not be capable of being opened more than 115° nor less than 85° and, when open, shall be capable of being held automatically in that position. This does not preclude the ability to override that stop and open the door beyond that angle when it is safe to do so; for example, to enable reversing against a high platform for loading or to open the doors through 270° to allow a clear loading area behind the vehicle.

7.6.5. Additional technical requirements for power-operated service doors

7.6.5.1. In the event of an emergency every power-operated service door shall be capable, when the vehicle is stationary (but not necessarily when the vehicle is moving), of being opened from inside and, when not locked, from outside by controls which, whether or not the power supply is operating:

7.6.5.1.1. override all other door controls;

7.6.5.1.2. in the case of interior controls, are placed on, or within 300 mm of, the door, at a height of not less 1 600 mm above the first step;

7.6.5.1.3. can be easily seen and clearly identified, when approaching the door and when standing in front of the door;

7.6.5.1.4. can be operated by one person when standing immediately in front of the door;

7.6.5.1.5. cause the door to open, or enable the door to be easily opened by hand;

7.6.5.1.6. may be protected by a device which can be easily removed or broken to gain access to the emergency control; the operation of the emergency control, or the removal of a protective cover over the control, shall be indicated to the driver both audibly and visually, and

7.6.5.1.7. in the case of a driver-operated door which does not comply with the requirements of 7.6.5.6.2, it shall be such that after the controls have been operated to open the door and returned to their normal position, the door will not close again until the driver subsequently operates a closing control.

7.6.5.2. A device may be provided which is operated by the driver from this seat to deactivate the outside emergency controls in order to lock the service doors from outside. In this case, the outside emergency controls shall be reactivated automatically either by the starting of the engine or before the vehicle reaches a speed of 20 km/h. Subsequently, deactivation of the outside emergency controls shall not occur automatically, but shall require a further action by the driver.

7.6.5.3. Every driver-operated service door shall be capable of operation by the driver when in the driving seat using controls which, except in the case of a foot control, are clearly and distinctively marked.

7.6.5.4. Every power-operated service door shall activate a visual tell-tale, which shall be plainly visible to the driver when seated in the normal driving position in any ambient lighting condition, to warn that a door is not fully closed. This tell-tale shall signal whenever the rigid structure of the door is between the fully open position and a point 30 mm from the fully closed position. One tell-tale may serve for one or more doors. However, no such tell-tale shall be fitted in respect of a front service door which does not comply with the requirements of 7.6.5.6.1.1 and 7.6.5.6.1.2.

7.6.5.5. Where controls are provided for the driver to open and close a power operated service door, they shall be such that the driver is able to reverse the movement of the door at any time during the closing or opening process.

7.6.5.6. The construction and control system of every power-operated service door shall be such that a passenger is unlikely to be injured by the door or trapped in the door as it closes.

7.6.5.6.1. This requirement shall be considered satisfied if the following two requirements are met:

7.6.5.6.1.1. the first requirement is that when the closing of the door at any measuring point described in Annex V is resisted by a clamping force not exceeding 150 N, the door shall reopen automatically to its fullest extent and, except in the case of an automatically-operated service door, remain open until a closing control is operated. The clamping force may be measured by any method to the satisfaction of the competent authority. Guidelines are given in Annex V to this Directive. The peak force may be higher than 150 N for a short time provided that it does not exceed 300 N. The reopening system may be checked by means of a test bar having a section of height 60 mm, width 30 mm with corners radiused to 5 mm. As an alternative, this first requirement shall also be considered to be met if, when the door closes, it can be readily reopened by hand, whatever is the level of the energy supply used for the operation of the door. This condition shall be considered to be met if the clamping force measured as in Annex V does not exceed 80 N when the door is between 3 and 12 cm ajar, and 150 N when is between 12 and 40 cm ajar, in all conditions of energy supply;

7.6.5.6.1.2. the second requirement is that whenever the doors are closed onto the wrist or fingers of a passenger:

7.6.5.6.1.2.1. the door reopens automatically to its fullest extent and, except in the case of an automatically-operated service door, remains open until a closing control is operated, or

7.6.5.6.1.2.2. the wrist or fingers can be readily extracted from the doors without risk of injury to the passenger. This requirement may be checked by hand, or by means of the test bar mentioned in paragraph 7.6.5.6.1.1, tapered at one end over a length of 300 mm from a thickness of 30 mm to a thickness of 5 mm. It shall not be treated with polish nor lubricated. If the door traps the bar it shall be capable of being easily removed, or

7.6.5.6.1.2.3. the door is maintained at a position allowing the free passage of a test bar having a section of height 60 mm, width 20 mm, with corners radiused to 5 mm. This position shall not be more than 30 mm distant from the fully closed position.

7.6.5.6.2. In the case of a front service door the requirement of paragraph 7.6.5.6 shall be considered satisfied if the door:

7.6.5.6.2.1. fulfils the requirements of paragraphs 7.6.5.6.1.1 and 7.6.5.6.1.2, or

7.6.5.6.2.2. is fitted with soft edges; these shall not, however be so soft that if the doors are closed on the test bar mentioned in 7.6.5.6.1.1 the rigid structure of the doors will reach the fully closed position.

7.6.5.7. Where a power-operated service door is held closed only by continued application of the power supply a visual warning device shall be provided to inform the driver of any failure in the power supply to the doors.

7.6.5.8. A starting prevention device, if fitted, shall be effective only at speeds of less than 5 km/h and shall be incapable of operation above that speed.

7.6.5.9. An audible warning to the driver shall be activated if the vehicle is driven away from rest when any power-operated service door is not fully closed. This audible warning shall be activated at a speed exceeding 5 km/h for doors complying with the requirements of 7.6.5.6.1.2.3.

7.6.6. Additional technical requirements for automatically operated service doors

7.6.6.1. Activation of the opening controls.

7.6.6.1.1. Except as provided in paragraph 7.6.5.1, the opening controls of every automatically-operated service door shall be capable of being activated and deactivated only by the driver from his seat.

7.6.6.1.2. Activation and deactivation may be either direct, by means of a switch, or indirect, for example by opening and closing the front service door.

7.6.6.1.3. Activation of the opening controls by the driver shall be indicated inside and, where a door is to be opened from outside, also on the outside of the vehicle; the indicator (e.g. illuminated push button, illuminated sign) shall be on or adjacent to the door to which it relates.

7.6.6.1.4. In the case of direct actuation by means of a switch, the functional state of the system shall be clearly indicated to the driver, by, for example, the position of the switch or an indicator lamp or an illuminated switch. The switch shall be specially marked and arranged in such a way that it cannot be confused with other controls.

7.6.6.2. Opening of automatically-operated service doors.

7.6.6.2.1. After activation of the opening controls by the driver, it shall be possible for passengers to open the door as follows:

7.6.6.2.1.1. from inside, for example by pressing a push-button or passing a light barrier, and

7.6.6.2.1.2. from outside, except in the case of a door intended only as an exit and marked as such, by, for example, pressing an illuminated push button, a push button beneath an illuminated sign, or a similar device marked with a suitable instruction.

7.6.6.2.2. The pressing of the push buttons mentioned in paragraph 7.6.6.2.1.1, and the use of the means of communication with the driver mentioned in paragraph 7.7.9.1, may send a signal which is stored and which, after the activation of the opening controls by the driver, effects the opening of the door.

7.6.6.3. Closing of automatically-operated service doors.

7.6.6.3.1. When an automatically-operated service door has opened it shall close again automatically after a time interval has elapsed. If a passenger enters or leaves the vehicle during this time interval, a safety device (e.g. a foot board contact, light barrier, one-way gate) shall ensure that the time until the door closes is sufficiently extended.

7.6.6.3.2. If the passenger enters or leaves the vehicle while the door is closing, the closing process shall be interrupted automatically and the door shall return to the open position. The reversal may be actuated by one of the safety devices referred to in paragraph 7.6.6.3.1 or by any other device.

7.6.6.3.3. A door that has closed automatically in accordance with paragraph 7.6.6.3.1 shall be capable of being opened again by a passenger in accordance with paragraph 7.6.6.2; this shall not apply if the driver has deactivated the opening controls.

7.6.6.3.4. After deactivation of the opening controls of the automatically-operated service doors by the driver, open doors shall close in accordance with paragraphs 7.6.6.3.1 to 7.6.6.3.2.

7.6.6.4. Inhibition of the automatic closing process on doors marked for special service, e.g. for passengers with prams, disabled persons, etc.

7.6.6.4.1. The driver shall be able to inhibit the automatic closing process by actuation of a special control. A passenger shall also be able to inhibit the automatic closing process directly by pressing a special push button.

7.6.6.4.2. The inhibition of the automatic closing process shall be indicated to the driver, e.g. by visual tell-tale.

7.6.6.4.3. Re-establishment of the automatic closing process shall in any case be capable of being done by the driver.

7.6.6.4.4. Paragraph 7.6.6.3 shall apply to the subsequent closing of the door.

7.6.7. Technical requirements for emergency doors

7.6.7.1. Emergency doors shall be capable of being easily opened from inside and from outside when the vehicle is stationary. However, this requirement shall not be construed as precluding the possibility of locking the door from the outside, provided that the door can always be opened from the inside by the use of the normal opening mechanism.

7.6.7.2. Emergency doors, during their use as such, shall not be of the power-operated type unless, once the control prescribed in paragraph 7.6.5.1 has been actuated and returned to its normal position, the doors do not close again until the driver subsequently operates a closing control. They shall also not be of the sliding type except that in case of vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers, a sliding door, which has been shown to be capable of being opened without the use of tools after a frontal barrier collision test in accordance with Directive 74/297/EEC, can be accepted as an emergency door.

7.6.7.3. The outside handles of emergency doors shall be not more than 150 cm above the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on level ground.

7.6.7.4. Hinged emergency doors fitted to the side of the vehicle shall be hinged at their forward edge and shall open outwards. Check straps, chains or other restraining devices shall be permitted, provided that they do not prevent the door from opening to, and remaining open at, an angle of at least 100°. If a means is provided sufficient to give free passage to the emergency door access gauge, the 100° minimum angle shall not apply.

7.6.7.5. Emergency doors shall be proofed against unintentional operation. However, this requirement shall not apply if the emergency door is locked automatically when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h.

7.6.7.6. All emergency doors shall be provided with an audible device to warn the driver when they are not securely closed. The warning device shall be operated by movement of the door catch and not by movement of the door itself.

7.6.8. Technical requirements for emergency windows

7.6.8.1. Every hinged or ejectable emergency window shall open outwards. Ejectable types shall not become totally detached from the vehicle when operated. The operation of ejectable windows shall be such that inadvertent ejection is effectively prevented.

7.6.8.2. Every emergency window shall:

7.6.8.2.1. either be capable of being easily and instantaneously operated from inside and from outside the vehicle by means of a device recognised as satisfactory,

7.6.8.2.2. or be made of readily-breakable safety glass. This latter provision precludes the possibility of using panes of laminated glass or of plastic material. A device shall be provided adjacent to each emergency window, readily available to persons inside the vehicle, to ensure that each window can be broken.

7.6.8.3. Every emergency window which can be locked from the outside shall be so constructed as to be capable of being opened at all times from inside the vehicle.

7.6.8.4. If the emergency window is of a type horizontally hinged at the top edge, an appropriate device shall be provided to hold it fully open. Every hinged emergency window shall operate so as not to obstruct clear passage from inside or outside the vehicle.

7.6.8.5. The height of the lower edge of an emergency window fitted in the side of the vehicle from the general level of the floor immediately below it (excluding any local variations such as the presence of a wheel or transmission housing) shall be not more than 120 cm nor less than 65 cm in the case of a hinged emergency window, or 50 cm in the case of a window made of breakable glass.

However, in the case of a hinged emergency window the height of the lower edge may be reduced to a minimum of 50 cm provided that the window aperture is equipped with a guard up to a height of 65 cm to prevent the possibility of passengers falling out of the vehicle. Where the window aperture is equipped with a guard, the size of the window aperture above the guard shall not be less than the minimum size prescribed for an emergency window.

7.6.8.6. Every hinged emergency window which is not clearly visible from the driver's seat shall be fitted with an audible warning device to warn the driver when it is not completely closed. The window lock, and not the movement of the window itself, shall actuate this device.

7.6.9. Technical requirements for escape hatches

7.6.9.1. Every escape hatch shall operate so as not to obstruct clear passage from inside or outside the vehicle. Escape hatches shall be either ejectable, hinged or made of readily-breakable safety glass. Ejectable types shall not become totally detached from the vehicle when operated. The operation of ejectable escape hatches shall be such that inadvertent ejection is effectively prevented.

7.6.9.2. Escape hatches shall be capable of being easily opened or removed from the inside and from outside. However, this requirement shall not be construed as precluding the possibility of locking the escape hatch for the purpose of securing the vehicle when unattended, provided that the escape hatch can always be opened or removed from the inside by the use of the normal opening or removal mechanism. In the case of a readily-breakable hatch a device shall be provided adjacent to the hatch, readily available to persons inside the vehicle, to ensure that the hatch can be broken.

7.6.10. Technical requirements for retractable steps

see parts B & C.

7.6.11. Markings

7.6.11.1. Each emergency exit shall be marked, inside and outside the vehicle, either by an inscription reading 'Emergency exit` or by one of the symbols shown in Annex II, paragraph 3.4 of Council Directive 92/58/EEC.

7.6.11.2. The emergency controls of service doors and of all emergency exits shall be marked as such inside and outside the vehicle either by a representative symbol or by a clearly-worded inscription.

7.6.11.3. Clear instructions concerning the method of operation shall be placed on or close to every emergency control of an exit.

7.6.11.4. The language in which any textual markings intended to comply with paragraphs 7.6.11.1 to 7.6.11.3 above are to be inscribed shall be determined by the approving authority bearing in mind the country/countries in which the applicant intends to market the vehicle in liaison if necessary with the competent authorities of the country/countries concerned. If the authority of the country/countries where the vehicle is to be registered has the language changed, this change shall imply no new type-approval process.

7.7. Interior arrangements

7.7.1. Access to service doors (see Annex III, figure 1)

7.7.1.1. The free space extending inwards into the vehicle from the side wall in which the door is mounted shall permit the free passage of a vertical rectangular panel 2 cm thick, 40 cm wide and 70 cm in height above the floor, having a second panel 55 cm wide superimposed symmetrically above it; the height of the second panel being as prescribed for the relevant class of vehicle.

7.7.1.1.1. Dimension of the upper panel and total height of the dual panel.

The height of the upper panel and the total height of the dual panel shall be:

>TABLE>

The width of the upper panel may be reduced at the top to 40 cm when a chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included (Annex III, figure 1).

7.7.1.1.2. Alternative panel for access to service doors

As an alternative to the dual panel (paragraph 7.7.1.1 and 7.7.1.1.1), a trapezoidal section, having a height of 50 cm, forming the transition between the width of the upper and the lower panel, may be used. In this case, the total height of the rectangular section and this trapezoidal section of the upper panel shall be 110 cm for all classes of vehicles with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers, and 95 cm for all classes of vehicles with a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers.

The width of the upper panel may be reduced at the top to 40 cm when a chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included (Annex III, figure 1).

7.7.1.2. The dual panel shall be maintained parallel with the door aperture as it is moved from the starting position, where the plane of the face nearest to the interior of the vehicle is tangential to the outermost edge of the aperture, to the position where it touches the first step, after which it shall be kept at right angles to the probable direction of motion of a person using the entrance.

7.7.1.3. When the centre line of this dual panel has traversed a distance of 30 cm from its starting position and the dual panel is touching the step surface it shall be retained in that position.

7.7.1.4. The cylindrical figure (see Annex III, figure 6) used for testing the gangway clearance shall then be moved starting from the gangway, in the probable direction of motion of a person leaving the vehicle, until its centre line has reached the vertical plane which contains the top edge of the uppermost step, or until a plane tangential to the upper cylinder touches the dual panel, whichever occurs first, and retained in that position (see Annex III, figure 2).

7.7.1.5. Between the cylindrical figure, at the position set out in paragraph 7.7.1.4 and the dual panel, at the position set out in paragraph 7.7.1.3, there shall be a free space whose upper and lower limits are shown in Annex III, figure 2. This free space shall permit the free passage of a vertical panel whose form and dimensions are the same as the cylindrical form (paragraph 7.7.5.1), central section and a thickness of no more than 2 cm. This panel shall be moved, from the cylindrical form tangential position, until its external side is in contact with the dual panel interior side, touching the plane or planes defined by the step upper edges, in the probable direction of motion of a person using the entrance (see Annex III, figure 2).

7.7.1.6. The free passage clearance for this figure shall not include any space extending to 30 cm in front of any uncompressed set cushion and to the height of the top of the seat cushion.

7.7.1.7. In the case of a folding seat, this space shall be determined with the seat in the position of use.

7.7.1.8. However, a folding seat for use by the crew may obstruct the access passage to a service door when in the position of use provided that:

7.7.1.8.1. it is clearly indicated, both in the vehicle itself and on the EC type-approval certificate (see Annex II, Appendix 2), that the seat is for the use of crew only,

7.7.1.8.2. when the seat is not in use it folds automatically as necessary to enable the requirements of paragraphs 7.7.1.1 or 7.7.1.2 and 7.7.1.3, 7.7.1.4 and 7.7.1.5 to be met;

7.7.1.8.3. the door is not considered to be a mandatory exit for the purpose of paragraph 7.6.1.4, and

7.7.1.8.4. when the seat is in the use position, and when it is in the folded position, no part of it shall be forward of a vertical plane passing through the centre of the seating surface of the driver's seat in its rearmost position and through the centre of the exterior rear-view mirror mounted on the opposite side of the vehicle.

7.7.1.9. In the case of vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers a doorway and the route by which passengers gain access to it shall be considered unobstructed if they have:

7.7.1.9.1. measured parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, there is a clearance of not less than 22 cm at any point and 55 cm at any point being more than 50 cm above the floor or steps (Annex III, figure 3).

7.7.1.9.2. measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, there is a clearance of not less than 30 cm at any point and 55 cm at any point being more than 120 cm above the floor or steps or less than 30 cm below the ceiling (Annex VIII, figure 4).

7.7.1.10. The service door and emergency door dimensions in paragraph 7.6.3.1. and the requirements of paragraphs 7.7.1.1. to 7.7.1.7., 7.7.2.1. to 7.7.2.3., 7.7.5.1. and 7.7.8.5. shall not apply to a vehicle of Class B with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,5 tonnes and up to 12 passengers seats in which each seat has unobstructed access to at least two doors.

7.7.1.11. The maximum slope of the floor in the access passage shall not exceed 3 % when measured with the unladen vehicle standing on a horizontal surface.

7.7.2. Access to emergency doors (see Annex III, figure 5)

The following requirements shall not apply to driver's doors used as emergency exits in vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers.

7.7.2.1. The free space between the gangway and the emergency door aperture shall permit the free passage of a vertical cylinder 30 cm in diameter and 70 cm high from the floor and supporting a second vertical cylinder 55 cm in diameter, the aggregate height of the assembly being 140 cm.

The width of the upper cylinder may be reduced at the top to 40 cm when a chamfer not exceeding 30° from the horizontal is included.

7.7.2.2. The base of the first cylinder shall be within the projection of the second cylinder.

7.7.2.3. Where folding seats are installed alongside this passage, the free space for the cylinder shall be required to be determined when the seat is in the position for use.

7.7.2.4. As an alternative to the dual cylinder, the gauging device described in paragraph 7.7.5.1 may be used (see Annex III, figure 6).

7.7.3. Access to emergency windows

7.7.3.1. It shall be possible to move a test gauge from the gangway to the exterior of the vehicle through every emergency window.

7.7.3.2. The direction of motion of the test gauge shall be in the direction in which a passenger evacuating the vehicle would be expected to move. The test gauge shall be kept perpendicular to that direction of motion.

7.7.3.3. The test gauge shall be in the form of a thin plate having a size of 60 cm × 40 cm with corners radiused by 20 cm. However, in the case of an emergency window in the rear face of the vehicle, the test gauge may alternatively have a size of 140 cm × 35 cm with corners radiused by 17,5 cm.

7.7.4. Access to escape hatches

At least one escape hatch shall be situated above at least a part of a seat or some other equivalent support affording access to them.

7.7.5. Gangways (see Annex III, figure 6)

7.7.5.1. The gangway of a vehicle shall be so designed and constructed as to permit the free passage of a gauging device consisting of two co-axial cylinders with an inverted truncated cone interposed between them the gauging, device having the following dimensions (in cm):

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The diameter of the upper cylinder may be reduced at the top to 40 cm when a chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included (Annex III, figure 1).

The gauging device may come into contact with strap hangers, if fitted, and move them away.

7.7.5.1.1. If there is no exit forward of a seat or row of seats:

7.7.5.1.1.1. In the case of forward-facing seats, the front edge of the cylindrical gauge defined in 7.7.5.1 shall reach at least until the transverse vertical plane tangential to the foremost point of the foremost front row seat back and be retained in that position. From this plane, it must be possible to move the panel shown in Annex III, Figure 7, in such a way that starting from the contact position with the cylindrical gauge, the panel side facing the exterior of the vehicle is displaced forwards a distance of 66 cm.

7.7.5.1.1.2. In the case of sideways facing seats, the forward part of the cylindrical gauge must reach at least the transversal plane which coincides with a vertical plane passing through the centre of the forward seat (Annex III, figure 7).

7.7.5.1.1.3. In the case of rearward facing seats, the forward part of the cylindrical gauge shall reach at least the transverse vertical plane tangential to the face of the seat cushions of the forward row or seat (Annex III, figure 7).

7.7.5.2. On vehicles of Class I, the diameter of the lower cylinder may be reduced from 45 cm to 40 cm in any part of the gangway to the rear of:

7.7.5.2.1. a transverse vertical plane situated 1,5 m forward of the centre line of the rear axle, and

7.7.5.2.2. a transverse vertical plane situated at the rear edge of the rearmost service door.

7.7.5.3. On vehicles of Class III the seats on one side or on both sides of the gangway may be movable laterally, it being then possible to reduce the width of the gangway to a figure corresponding to a lower cylinder diameter of 22 cm, on condition that the operation of a control on each seat, readily accessible to a person standing in the gangway, shall be sufficient to cause the seat to return automatically, even when it is loaded, to the position corresponding to a minimum width of 30 cm.

7.7.5.4. On articulated buses the gauging device defined in paragraph 7.7.5.1 shall be able to pass unobstructed through the articulated section. No part of the soft covering of that section, including parts of bellows, shall project into the gangway.

7.7.5.5. Steps may be fitted in the gangways. The width of such steps shall not be less than the width of the gangway at the top of the steps.

7.7.5.6. Folding seats allowing passengers to sit in the gangway shall not be permitted.

7.7.5.7. Laterally-sliding seats which in one position encroach on the gangway shall not be permitted except on vehicles of Class III and subject to the conditions prescribed in paragraph 7.7.5.3.

7.7.5.8. In the case of vehicles to which paragraph 7.7.1.9 applies, a gangway shall not be necessary provided the access dimensions specified in that paragraph are respected.

7.7.5.9. Gangways and access passages shall be covered with an anti-slip material.

7.7.6. Slope of gangway

The slope of the gangway, measured with the vehicle unladen on a horizontal surface, and with the kneeling system no connected shall not exceed:

7.7.6.1. 8 % in the case of a vehicle of Class I, II and A,

7.7.6.2. 12,5 % in the case of a vehicle of Class III and B, and

7.7.6.3. 3 % in the case of the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of vehicle.

7.7.7. Steps (see Annex III, figure 8)

7.7.7.1. The maximum and minimum height, and the minimum depth, of steps for passengers at service and emergency doors and within the vehicle shall be as follows:

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7.7.7.1.1. For the purposes of this Annex, any step from a sunken gangway to a seating area shall not be considered to be a step. The maximum height of such step to a seating area from the gangway shall be 35 cm.

7.7.7.2. For the purpose of this paragraph, the height of a step shall be measured at the centre of its width. Furthermore, manufacturers should specifically take account of access by persons with reduced mobility, particularly in relation to a step height to be kept to a minimum.

7.7.7.3. The height of the fist step in relation to the ground shall be measured with the vehicle on level ground, unladen as defined in paragraph 7.1.3 and the tyre equipment and pressure being as specified by the manufacturer for the maximum technical mass (MT) declared in accordance with paragraph 2.18.

7.7.7.4. Where there is more than one step, each step may extend into the area of the vertical projection of the next step by up to 10 cm and the projection over the tread below shall leave a free surface of at least 20 cm (see Annex III, figure 8) with all step nosings being designed such as to minimise the risk of tripping and being in a contrasting colour or colours.

7.7.7.5. The width and shape of every step shall be such that a rectangle s indicated in the table below can be placed on that step with not more than 5 % of the area of the appropriate rectangle overhanging the step. At a double doorway each half of the doorway shall fulfil this requirement.

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7.7.7.6. All steps shall have a non-slip coating.

7.7.8. Passenger seats and space for seated passengers

7.7.8.1. Minimum seat width (see Annex III, figure 9)

7.7.8.1.bis By derogation to the provisions of paragraph 7.7.8.1, Member States may, for the types of vehicles mentioned in Article 3, permit the sale or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following provision:

Minimum seat width (see Annex III, figure 9 bis)

7.7.8.1.1. The minimum width of a seat cushion, measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of that seating position, shall be:

7.7.8.1.1.bis For the types of vehicles mentioned in Article 3 introducing the derogation, the minimum dimensions for each seating place, measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of that seating place, shall be as follows (see Annex III, figure 9 bis):

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In case of compliance with paragraph 7.7.8.1.1 bis, paragraphs 7.7.8.1.2.1 and 7.7.8.1.2.2 are not applicable.

7.7.8.1.1.1. 20 cm in vehicles of Class I, II, A and B.

7.7.8.1.1.2. 22,5 cm in vehicles of Class III.

7.7.8.1.2. The minimum width of the available space for each seating position, measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of that seating position at heights between 27 and 65 cm above the uncompressed seat cushion, shall be:

7.7.8.1.2.1. 25 cm in the case of individual seats, and

7.7.8.1.2.2. 22,5 cm in the case of continuous seats for two or more passengers.

7.7.8.1.2.3. For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers, in the case of seats adjacent to the wall of the vehicle, the available space does not include, in its upper part, a triangular area 2 cm wide by 10 cm high (see Annex III, figure 10). In addition, the space needed for safety belts and their anchorages and for the sun visor should be considered as exempted.

7.7.8.2. Minimum depth of seat cushion (see Annex III, figure 11)

The minimum depth of a seat cushion shall be:

7.7.8.2.1. 35 cm in vehicles of Class I, A and B, and

7.7.8.2.2. 40 cm in vehicles of Class II and Class III.

7.7.8.3. Height of seat cushion (see Annex III, figure 11)

The height of the uncompressed seat cushion relative to the floor shall be such that the distance from the floor to a horizontal plane tangent to the front upper surface of the seat cushion is between 40 and 50 cm: this height may however be reduced to not less than 35 cm at the wheel arches and at the engine compartment.

7.7.8.4. Seat spacing (see Annex III, figure 12)

7.7.8.4.1. In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the front of a seat squab and the back of the squab of the seat proceding it, shall, when measured horizontally and at all heights above the floor between the level of the top surface of the seat cushion and a point 62 cm above the floor, not be less than:

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7.7.8.4.1.bis For the types of vehicles mentioned in Article 3 introducing the derogation, Member States may permit the sale or entry into service of new vehicles complying with the following provision:

In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the front of a seat squab and the back of the squab of the seat preceding it, shall, when measured horizontally and at all heights above the floor between the level of the top surface of the seat cushion and a point 62 cm above the floor, not be less than 65 cm (see Annex III, figure 12 bis).

For vehicles with up to 16 passengers, the distance between seats may be reduced to 60 cm (see Annex III, figure 12 ter).

7.7.8.4.2. All measurements shall be taken, with the seat cushion and squab uncompressed, in a vertical plane passing through the centreline of the individual seating place.

7.7.8.4.3. Where transverse seats face one another the minimum distance between the front faces of the seat squabs of facing seats, as measured across the highest points of the seat cushions, shall be not less than 130 cm.

7.7.8.4.4. Reclining passenger seats and adjustable driving seats shall be measured with their seat backs and other seat adjustments in the normal position of use specified by the manufacturer.

7.7.8.4.5. Any folding table fitted to a seat back shall be measured in the folded position.

7.7.8.4.6. Seats which are mounted on a track or other system which permits the operator or the user to easily vary the interior configuration of the vehicle shall be measured in the normal position of use specified by the manufacturer in the application for the approval.

7.7.8.5. Space for seated passengers (see Annex III, figure 13).

7.7.8.5.1. A minimum clear space in front of each passenger seat shall be provided as shown in Annex III, figure 13. The seat-back of another preceding seat or a partition whose contour corresponds approximately to that of the inclined seat back may intrude into this space as provided by paragraph 7.7.8.4. The local presence in this space of seat legs shall also be permitted provided that adequate space remains for the passenger's feet. In the case of seats alongside the driver's seat in vehicles with up to 22 passengers, intrusion of the dash board, instrument panel, windscreen, sun visor, seat belts and seat belt anchorages shall be allowed.

7.7.8.5.2. However, at least 2 in Class I and 1 in Class A forward or rearward facing seats specifically intended and marked for passengers with reduced mobility other than wheelchair users shall be provided in that part of the bus which is most suitable for boarding. These seats shall be designed for disabled so as to provide enough space, shall have suitably designed and placed handholds to facilitate entry and exit of the seat and provide communication in accordance with paragraph 7.7.9 from the seated position.

7.7.8.5.2.1. These seats shall provide at least 110 % of the space specified in item 7.7.8.5.1 and at least 110 % of the width specified in item 7.7.8.1.1.

7.7.8.6. Free space above seating positions

7.7.8.6.1. Over each seating position and, except in the case of the front row seats in a vehicle up to 22 passengers, its associated foot space, there shall be measured a free space with a height of not less than 900 mm measured from the highest point of the uncompressed seat cushion and at least 1 350 mm from the mean level of the floor in the foot space. In the case of vehicles to which paragraph 7.7.1.9 applies, this dimension may be reduced to 1 200 mm measured from the floor.

7.7.8.6.2. This free space shall extended over the zone defined:

7.7.8.6.2.1. by longitudinal vertical planes 200 mm either side of the median vertical plane of the seating position, and;

7.7.8.6.2.2. by a transverse vertical plane through the rearmost upper point of the seat back and by a transverse vertical plane 300 mm in front of the foremost point of the uncompressed seat cushion, measured in each case at the median vertical plane of the seating position.

7.7.8.6.3. From the edges of the free space defined by paragraphs 7.7.8.6.1 and 7.7.8.6.2, the following zones may be excluded:

7.7.8.6.3.1. in the case of the up part of outboard seats, a zone with rectangular cross-section 150 mm in height and 100 mm in width (see Annex III, figure 14);

7.7.8.6.3.2. in the case of the up part of outboard seats, a zone with a triangular cross-section whose apex is situated 650 mm from the floor and whose base is 100 mm in width (see Annex III, figure 15);

7.7.8.6.3.3. in the case of the footwell of outboard, a zone of a cross-sectional area not exceeding 200 cm² and having a maximum width not exceeding 100 cm (see Annex III, figure 16);

7.7.8.6.3.4. in the case of a vehicle for up to 22 passengers, in the case of the seating places nearest to the rear corners of the body, the outer rear edge of the free space, viewed in plan, may be rounded to a radius not exceeding 150 mm (see Annex III, figure 17).

7.7.8.6.4. In the free space defined by paragraphs 7.7.8.6.1, 7.7.8.6.2 and 7.7.8.6.3, the following additional intrusions shall be permitted:

7.7.8.6.4.1. Intrusion of the back of another seat, its supports and its attachments (e.g. folding table).

7.7.8.6.4.2. In the case of a vehicle for up to 22 passengers, intrusion of a wheel arch provided that one of the following two conditions is fulfilled:

7.7.8.6.4.2.1. the intrusion does not extend beyond the median vertical plane of the seating position (see Annex III, figure 18), or

7.7.8.6.4.2.2. the nearest edge of the area 300 mm in depth available for the feet of the seated passenger is advanced no more than 200 mm from the edge of the uncompressed seat cushion and to not more than 600 mm in front of the squab of the seat, these measurements being made in the median vertical plane of the seating position (see Annex III, figure 19).

7.7.8.6.4.3. In the case of seats alongside the driver's seat in vehicles with up to 22 passengers intrusion of the dashboard/instrument panel, windscreen, sun visors, seat belts, seat belt anchorages and front dome.

7.7.8.7. On Class III & B vehicles, the seats shall be front face or rear face.

7.7.9. Communication with the driver

7.7.9.1. On vehicles of Classes I, II and A, a means shall be provided to enable passengers to signal to the driver that she/he should stop the vehicle. The controls for all such communication devices shall have protruding buttons, no more than 120 cm from the floor, and shall be a contrasting colour or colours. Controls shall be distributed adequately and evenly throughout the vehicle. Activation of the control shall also be indicated to the passengers by means of one or more illuminated signs; The sign shall display the words 'bus stopping`, or equivalent, and/or a suitable pictogram and shall remain illuminated until the service door(s) open. Articulated vehicles shall have such signs in each rigid section of the vehicle. Double deck vehicles shall have them on each deck.

7.7.9.2. Communication with the crew compartment. If a crew compartment is fitted without access to the driver or passenger compartments, a means of communication between the driver and this crew compartment shall be provided.

7.7.9.3. Vehicles of Classes I, II and A shall have provision for the route number (or letter if applicable) and destination to be displayed. Provisions for a route number at least 20 cm high shall be made on the front of the vehicle and the side in which service doors are fitted. In addition vehicles of Classes I, II and A shall have provisions for a route number at the rear of the vehicle. Provisions for a destination display at least 12 cm high shall be made on the front of vehicles of Classes I, II and A.

7.7.10. Hot drink machines and cooking equipment

Hot drink machines and cooking equipment shall be so installed or guarded that no hot food or drink is likely to be spilled on any passenger due to emergency braking or cornering forces.

7.7.10.1. On vehicles fitted with hot drinks machines or cooking equipment, all passenger seats shall have adequate provisions for setting down hot food or drink whilst the vehicle is in motion.

7.7.11. Doors to interior compartments

Every door to a toilet or other interior compartment:

7.7.11.1. shall be self-closing, and shall not be fitted with any device to hold it open if, when open, it could obstruct passengers in an emergency,

7.7.11.2. shall, when open, not conceal any handle, control device for opening or obligatory marking associated with any service door, emergency door, emergency exit fire extinguisher or first kit aid,

7.7.11.3. shall be provided with a means to enable the door to be opened from outside the compartment in an emergency,

7.7.11.4. shall not be capable of being locked from the outside unless it can always be opened from the inside.

7.8. Artificial interior lighting

7.8.1. Internal electrical lighting shall be provided for the illumination of:

7.8.1.1. all passenger compartments, crew compartments, toilet compartments and the articulated section of an articulated vehicle;

7.8.1.2. any step or steps;

7.8.1.3. the access to any exits;

7.8.1.4. the internal markings and internal controls of all exits;

7.8.1.5. all places where there are obstacles.

7.8.2. There shall be at least two internal lighting circuits such that failure of one will not affect the other. A circuit serving only permanent entry and exit lighting can be considered as one of these circuits.

7.8.3. Provisions shall be made to protect the driver from the effects of glare and reflections caused by artificial interior lighting.

7.9. Articulated section of articulated vehicles

7.9.1. The articulated section that interconnects rigid portions of the vehicle shall be so designed and constructed as to allow at least one rotary movement about at least one horizontal axis, and at least one vertical axis.

7.9.2. When the articulated vehicle at its unladen kerb mass is stationary on a horizontal level surface there shall not be between the floor of either of the rigid sections and the floor of the rotating base or of the element replacing that base an uncovered gap of a width exceeding:

7.9.2.1. 1 cm when all the wheels of the vehicle are on the same plane, or

7.9.2.2. 2 cm when the wheels of the axle adjacent to the articulated section are resting on a surface which is 15 cm higher than the surface on which the wheels of the other axles are resting.

7.9.3. The difference in level between the floor of the rigid portions and the floor of the rotating base, measured at the joint, shall not exceed:

7.9.3.1. 2 cm in the conditions described in paragraph 7.9.2.1 above, or

7.9.3.2. 3 cm in the conditions described in paragraph 7.9.2.2 above.

7.9.4. On articulated vehicles means shall be provided to physically prevent access by passengers to any part of the articulated section where:

7.9.4.1. the floor has an uncovered gap not complying with the requirements of paragraph 7.9.2;

7.9.4.2. the floor cannot carry the mass of the passengers;

7.9.4.3. the movements of the walls constitute a danger to passengers.

7.10. Direction-holding of articulated vehicles

When an articulated vehicle is moving in a straight line the longitudinal median planes of its rigid portion shall coincide and form a continuous plane without any deflection.

7.11. Handrails and handholds

7.11.1. General requirements

7.11.1.1. Handrails and handholds shall be of adequate strength.

7.11.1.2. They shall be so designed and installed as to present no risk of injury to passengers.

7.11.1.3. Handrails and handholds shall be of a section enabling passengers to grasp them easily and firmly. Every handrail shall provide a length of at least 10 cm to accommodate a hand. No dimension of the section shall be smaller than 2 cm or greater than 4,5 cm except in the case of handrails on doors and seats and, in the case of a vehicle of Class II, III and B, in access passages. In these cases hand rails having a minimum dimension of 1,5 cm shall be permitted provided that one other dimension is of at least 2,5 cm handrails and shall not have sharp bends.

7.11.1.4. The clearance between a handrail or handhold and the adjacent part of the vehicle body or walls shall be at least 4 cm. However, in the case of a handrail on a door or a seat, or in the access passage of a vehicle of Class II, III and B, a minimum clearance of 3,5 cm shall be permitted.

7.11.1.5. The surface of every handrail, handhold or stanchion shall be colour contrasting and non-slip.

7.11.2. Handrails and handholds for standing passengers

7.11.2.1. Handrails and/or handholds shall be provided in sufficient number for each point of the floor area intended, in conformity with paragraph 7.2.2 for standing passengers. For this purpose, strap hangers, if fitted, may be counted as handholds, provided that they are held in their position by suitable means. This requirement shall be deemed to be fulfilled if, for all possible sites of the testing device shown in Annex III, figure 20 hereto, at least two handrails or handholds can be reached by the device's movable arm. The testing device may be freely turned about its vertical axis.

7.11.2.2. When applying the procedure described in paragraph 7.11.2.1 above, only such handrails and handholds shall be considered as are not less than 80 cm and not more than 190 cm above the floor.

7.11.2.3. For every position that can be occupied by a standing passenger, at least one of the two required handrails or handholds shall be not more than 150 cm above the level of the floor at that position.

7.11.2.4. Areas which can be occupied by standing passengers and are not separated by seats from the side walls or rear wall of the vehicle shall be provided with horizontal handrails parallel to the walls and installed at a height of between 80 cm and 150 cm above the floor.

7.11.3. Handrails and handholds for service doors

7.11.3.1. Door apertures shall be fitted with handrails and/or handholds on each side.

7.11.3.2. Handrails and/or handholds to be provided for service doors shall be such that they include a grasping point available to a person standing on the ground adjacent to the service door or on any of the successive steps. Such points shall be situated, vertically, between 80 and 110 cm above the ground or above the surface of each step, and horizontally:

7.11.3.2.1. for the position appropriate to a person standing on the ground, not more than 40 cm inwards from the outer edge of the first step; and

7.11.3.2.2. for the position appropriate to a particular step, not outwards from the outer edge of the step considered, and not more than 60 cm inwards from that same edge.

7.11.3.3. In the case of a double door in a vehicle without steps or with only one step, no centre stanchion or handrail shall be fitted.

7.11.4. Handrails to priority seating

7.11.4.1. A horizontal hand-rail at a height of between 80 cm and 90 cm above floor level shall be provided between the service door(s) and the priority seating, described in paragraph 7.7.8.5.2.

7.12. Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility and provisions for wheelchair users

7.12.1. In order to fix a standard for reduced mobility, one will hereafter consider wheelchair users, who can freely and normally use their arms and hands, as a reference for passengers with reduced mobility.

7.12.2. Vehicles designed to provide scheduled urban and interurban services shall be designed to afford an easy access to passengers with reduced mobility. These vehicles shall comply with the provisions of paragraphs 7.12.3 to 7.12.13 and with the relevant provisions of Annex VII.

The same provisions shall apply to other vehicles designed to afford easy access to passengers with reduced mobility.

7.12.3. Per wheelchair user provided for in the passenger compartment there shall be a special area at least 90 cm wide and 130 cm long.

7.12.4. There shall be at least two doors, among which at least one service door, through which wheelchair users can pass, with a width of at least 90 cm. In the case of vehicles designed for carrying one or two wheelchair users, this number may be reduced to one door, provided that it be a service door and that there be another with a width of at least 60 cm.

7.12.5. Access from the door to the special area

It shall be possible to move from the doors referred to in paragraph 7.12.4 to the special area referred to in paragraph 7.12.3 with a reference wheelchair of the dimensions shown in Annex III, figure 21.

Moreover, the vehicle shall be so designed as to allow an easy evacuation of the wheelchair users from their special area in a case of emergency.

In the case of Class II and Class III vehicles, when the wheelchair users are in their special area, the width of the gangway may be reduced provided that it permits the free passage of a gauging device as defined in paragraph 7.7.5.1, except as for its lower diameter, which shall be 30 cm.

7.12.6. One of the several means of communication shall be provided in Class I and Class II vehicles in accordance with paragraph 7.7.9, except near the parked positions of the wheelchairs.

7.12.7. Stability of the wheelchairs

7.12.7.1. If the Class I vehicle is designed to carry only one or two wheelchairs, the following provisions are applicable:

- the wheelchair may be unrestrained,

- the longitudinal axis of the space for a wheelchair shall be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,

- one of the sides of the space for a wheelchair shall rest against a side of the vehicle,

- the wheelchair shall travel facing backwards,

- a partition perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle shall be provided between the space for a wheelchair and the other passenger seats,

- the wheels or the back of the wheelchair shall rest against the partition (or backrest of the seat row in front) in order to avoid the wheelchair tipping over,

- the partition or backrest of the seat row in front shall be able to bear the unrestrained wheelchair totalling a mass of 250 kg, including the user, when the vehicle brakes from a speed of at least 50 km/h to a halt with a deceleration of at least 5 m/sec²,

- a handrail or handhold shall be fitted to the side of the vehicle in such a way as to allow the wheelchair user to grasp it easily,

- a retractable handrail (or any equivalent device) shall be fitted on the opposite side of the wheelchair area in order to restrict any lateral shift of the wheelchair and to allow the wheelchair user to grasp it easily,

- a non-skid coat shall cover the floor of the special area,

- a sign shall be fixed adjacent to the special area, with the following text:

'This place is reserved for a wheelchair. The wheelchair must be placed facing backwards resting against the pa