Common Position (EC) No 50/2000

adopted by the Council on 28 September 2000

with a view to the adoption of Directive .../.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... 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 Directives 70/156/EEC and 97/27/EC

(2000/C 370/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty(3),

Whereas:

(1) The internal market comprises an area without internal frontiers, in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured. It is important to adopt measures to that end.

(2) 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.

(3) Those requirements differ from one Member State to another.

(4) Owing to differences in technical prescriptions, these vehicles have been prevented from being put onto the Community market. The adoption of harmonised requirements by all of the Member States in place of their national regulations should facilitate the proper functioning of the internal market for these vehicles.

(5) 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(4) to be applied in respect of each type of vehicle.

(6) This Directive is one of the separate directives of the EC type-approval procedure, which was established by Directive 70/156/EEC.

(7) In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality established by Article 5 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. This Directive does not go beyond what is necessary to attain that objective.

(8) 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"), its Regulation No 66 ("Uniform provisions concerning the approval of large passenger vehicles with regard to the strength of their superstructure") and its Regulation No 107 ("Uniform provisions concerning the approval of double-deck large Passenger vehicles with regard to their general construction"), 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.

(9) 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 Community transport and social policies. Every effort must be made to improve access to these vehicles.

(10) As a result of the foregoing, it is necessary to amend Directive 70/156/EEC and Directive 97/27/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 1997 relating to the masses and dimensions of certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers(5).

(11) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission(6),

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

For the purposes of this Directive:

- "vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle of category M2 or M3, as defined in Annex II, Part A, to Directive 70/156/EEC,

- "bodywork" shall mean a separate technical unit as defined in Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC,

- "class of vehicle" shall mean a vehicle which complies with the class description given in Annex I to this Directive.

Article 2

1. With effect from ...(7) Member States may not refuse EC type-approval or national type-approval

- of a vehicle,

- of a bodywork,

- of a vehicle the bodywork of which has already been type-approved as a separate technical unit,

or refuse or prohibit the sale, registration or entry into service of a vehicle or of a bodywork as a separate technical unit, on grounds relating to the 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 this Directive and the Annexes thereto are satisfied.

2. With effect from ...(8), Member States:

- shall no longer grant EC type-approval for a type of vehicle and a type of bodywork as a separate technical unit,

- may refuse the registration, sale or entry into service of new vehicles and new bodyworks as separate technical units,

on grounds relating to the 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 this Directive and the Annexes thereto are not complied with.

Article 3

1. Vehicles of Class I shall be accessible for people with reduced mobility including wheelchair users according to the technical provisions laid down in Annex VII.

2. Member States shall be free to choose the most appropriate solution to achieve improved accessibility in vehicles other than those of Class I. However, if vehicles other than those of Class I are equipped with devices for people with reduced mobility and/or wheelchair users, they shall comply with the relevant requirements of Annex VII.

Article 4

Directive 70/156/EC shall be amended as follows:

1.

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2. the following item 13 shall be inserted in Part I of Annex III:

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3. in Annex IV:

(a)

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(b)

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Article 5

Annex I to Directive 97/27/EC shall be amended as follows:

1. items 2.1.2.1 to 2.1.2.2.1.4 shall be deleted;

2. the following item shall be inserted:

"2.1.2.1. 'Bus or coach' means a vehicle defined in item 1 of Annex I to Directive .../.../EC.

2.1.2.2. 'Class' of bus or coach means a vehicle of a class defined in items 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 of Annex I to Directive .../.../EC.

2.1.2.3. 'Articulated bus or coach' means a vehicle defined in item 2.1.3 of Annex I to Directive .../.../EC.

2.1.2.4. 'Double-deck bus or coach' means a vehicle defined in item 2.1.6 of Annex I to Directive .../.../EC."

Article 6

The measures necessary for the adaptation to technical progress of this Directive shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 7(2).

Article 7

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee for Adaptation to Technical Progress set up by Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC (hereinafter referred to as "the Committee").

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.

3. The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure.

Article 8

1. Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive before ...(9). 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.

Article 9

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

Article 10

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at ...

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

(1) OJ C 17, 20.1.1998, p. 1 and OJ C ....

(2) OJ C 129, 27.4.1998, p. 5.

(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 November 1998 (OJ C 379, 7.12.1998, p. 80) confirmed on 27 October 1999 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Common Position of 28 September 2000 and decision of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(4) OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 98/91/EC of the European Parliament and the Council (OJ L 11, 16.1.1999, p. 25).

(5) OJ L 233, 25.8.1997, p. 1.

(6) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

(7) Eighteen months after the entry into force of this Directive.

(8) Twenty-four months after the entry into force of this Directive.

(9) Eighteen months after the entry into force of this Directive.

LIST OF ANNEXES

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ANNEX I

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

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, Part A, to Council Directive 70/156/EEC.

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

1.2.1. vehicles used for the secure transport of persons, for example prisoners;

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

1.2.3. off-road vehicles;

1.2.4. vehicles specially designed for the carriage of schoolchildren until this Directive is amended in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 7(2) thereof.

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 8 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 or M3 as defined in Annex II, Part A, to Directive 70/156/EEC;

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" means vehicles constructed with areas for standing passengers, to allow frequent passenger movement;

2.1.1.2. "Class II" means 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" means 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" means 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" means 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;

2.1.3.1. "double-deck articulated bus or coach" means a vehicle which consists of two or more rigid sections which articulate relative to one another; the passenger compartments of each section intercommunicate on at least one deck 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 of Class I, II or A 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-deck vehicles) forms an area without steps and includes access to at least one service door;

2.1.5. "bodywork" means a separate technical unit as defined in Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC comprising all the special internal and external equipment of the vehicle;

2.1.6. "double-deck vehicle" means a vehicle where the spaces provided for passengers are arranged, at least in one part, in two superimposed levels and spaces for standing passengers are not provided in the upper deck;

2.2. "definition of type(s)"

2.2.1. "vehicle type" means vehicles which do not differ in the following essential aspects:

- bodywork manufacturer,

- chassis manufacturer,

- vehicle concept ( > 22 passengers) or (<= 22 passengers),

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

- bodywork type if the bodywork has been approved as a separate technical unit;

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

- bodywork manufacturer;

- vehicle concept ( > 22 passengers) or (<= 22 passengers)

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

- 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 bodywork type as defined in item 2.2 of this Annex with regard to the constructional features specified in this Directive;

2.4. "superstructure" means the part of the bodywork which contributes to the strength of the vehicle in the event of a roll-over accident;

2.5. "service door" means a door intended for use by passengers in normal circumstances with the driver seated;

2.6. "double door" means a door affording two, or the equivalent of two, access passages;

2.7. "sliding door" means a door which can be opened or closed only by sliding it along one or more rectilinear or approximately rectilinear rails;

2.8. "emergency door" means a door intended for use by passengers as an exit only exceptionally, and in particular in an emergency;

2.9. "emergency window" means a window, not necessarily glazed, intended for use as an exit by passengers in an emergency only;

2.10. "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;

2.11. "escape hatch" means a opening in the roof or the floor intended for use as an emergency exit by passengers in an emergency only;

2.12. "emergency exit" means an emergency door, emergency window or escape hatch;

2.13. "exit" means a service door, intercommunication staircase, half staircase or emergency exit;

2.14. "floor or deck" means that part of the bodywork whose upper surface supports standing passengers, the feet of seated passengers and the driver and any crew member, and may support the seat mountings;

2.15. "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 from or to any service door or intercommunication staircase and any area for standing passengers; it does not include:

2.15.1. the space extending 300 mm in front of any seat; except where a sideways-facing seat is situated above a wheel arch, in which case this dimension may be reduced to 225 mm;

2.15.2. the space above the surface of any step or staircase; or

2.15.3. any space which affords access solely to one seat or row of seats or a facing pair of transverse seats or row of seats;

2.16. "access passage" means the space extending inwards into the vehicle from the service door up to the outermost edge of the upper step (edge of the gangway), intercommunication staircase or half staircase. Where there is no step at the door, the space to be considered as access passage shall be that which is measured according to item 7.7.1 up to a distance of 300 mm from the starting position of the inner face of the dual panel;

2.17. "driver's compartment" means the space intended for driver's exclusive use except in the case of an emergency and containing the driver's seat, the steering wheel, controls, instruments and other devices necessary for driving or operating the vehicle;

2.18. "mass of the vehicle in running order" means the mass defined in Section 2.5 of Annex I to Directive 97/27/EC;

2.19. "technically permissible maximum laden mass (M)" means the mass defined in Section 2.6 of Annex I to Directive 97/27/EC;

2.20. "passenger" means a person other than the driver or a member of the crew;

2.21. "passenger with reduced mobility" means all passengers who have a special difficulty when using public transport, especially elderly and disabled. Reduced mobility does not necessarily imply any form of medical impairment;

2.22. "wheelchair user" means a person who due to infirmity or disability uses a wheelchair for mobility;

2.23. "member of the crew" means a person assigned to operate as a co-driver or the possible assistant;

2.24. "passenger compartment" means a space intended for passengers' use excluding any space occupied by fixed appliances such as bars, kitchenettes, toilets or baggage/goods compartments;

2.25. "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, if not automatically operated, is remotely controlled by the driver or a member of the crew;

2.26. "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;

2.27. "starting-prevention device" means an automatic device which prevents the vehicle being driven away from rest;

2.28. "driver-operated service door" means a service door which normally is opened and closed by the driver;

2.29. "priority seat" means a seat with additional space for a passenger with reduced mobility and marked accordingly;

2.30. "boarding device" means a device to facilitate wheelchair access to vehicles, such as lifts, ramps, etc;

2.31. "kneeling system" means a system which lowers and lifts totally or partially the body of a vehicle relative to the normal position of travel;

2.32. "lift" means a device or system with a platform that can be raised and lowered to provide passenger access between the floor of a passenger compartment and the ground or kerb;

2.33. "ramp" means a device to bridge the gap between the floor of a passenger compartment and the ground or kerb;

2.34. "portable ramp" means a ramp that may be detached from the vehicle structure and capable of being deployed by a driver or crew member;

2.35. "demountable seat" means a seat that can be easily detached from the vehicle;

2.36. "front and rear" means the front or rear of the vehicle according to the normal direction of travel and the terms; "forward", "foremost", "rearward" and "rearmost", etc. shall be construed accordingly;

2.37. "intercommunication staircase" means a staircase which allows communication between the upper and lower decks;

2.38. "separate compartment" means a space in the vehicle which may be occupied by passengers or crew when the vehicle is in use, and which is separated from any other passenger or crew space, except where any partition allows passengers to see into the next passenger space, and connected by a gangway without doors;

2.39. "half staircase" is a staircase from the upper deck which terminates in an emergency door;

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

3.1. The application for EC type-approval of a vehicle or for EC separate technical unit type-approval or for EC type-approval of a vehicle fitted with bodywork already approved as a separate technical unit pursuant to Article 3(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type or of a bodywork type or of a vehicle type fitted with bodywork 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 their respective manufacturer.

3.2. In the case of an application for EC type-approval of a vehicle made by assembling a chassis with type-approved bodywork, the term manufacturer refers to the assembler.

3.3. A model for the information document is given in Annex II, Appendix 1:

subappendix 1: for a vehicle type

subappendix 2: for bodywork type

subappendix 3: for a vehicle type fitted with bodywork already approved as a separate technical unit.

3.4. A vehicle or a body 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:

subappendix 1: for a vehicle type

subappendix 2: for a body type

subappendix 3: or a vehicle type fitted with a body already approved as a separate technical unit.

4.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle or type of body approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle, type of body.

4.4. Markings

4.4.1. In the case of a bodywork approved as a separate technical unit, the bodywork 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 item 4.3.

4.4.2. These marks must be clearly legible and indelible, even when the body is fitted on a vehicle.

5. MODIFICATION OF THE TYPES AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVAL

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

6. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

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. General

7.1.1. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements shall be made when the vehicle is at its mass in running order and it is standing on a smooth and horizontal ground surface and in the normal condition for travel. If a kneeling system is fitted, it shall be set so the vehicle is at its normal ride height for travel. In the case of the approval of bodywork as a separate technical unit the position of the body relative to the flat horizontal surface shall be specified by the manufacturer.

7.1.2. Wherever there is a requirement in this Directive for a surface in the vehicle to be horizontal or at a specific angle when the vehicle is at its mass in running order, in the case of a vehicle with mechanical suspension, the surface may exceed this slope or possess a slope when the vehicle is at its mass in running order, provided that this requirement is met when the vehicle is in the loading condition declared by the manufacturer. If a kneeling system is fitted to the vehicle it shall not be in operation.

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 300 mm, 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 1350 mm measured from the floor disregarding permitted intrusion specified in items 7.7.8.6.3 and 7.7.8.6.4. In the case of vehicles of Class A or B, this dimension may be reduced to 1200 mm;

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

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

7.2.1.6. the area required to provide a clear working area at serveries;

7.2.1.7. the floor area occupied by any staircase, half staircase, intercommunication staircase or the surface of any step.

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 item 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, with the exception of folding seats;

7.2.2.3. the area of all parts where the clear height above the floor is less than the gangway height specified in item 7.7.5.1 (handholds shall not be taken into account in this connection);

7.2.2.4. the area forward of a transverse vertical plane passing through the centre of the seating surface of the driver's seat (in its rearmost position);

7.2.2.5. the area 300 mm in front of all seats other than folding seats, except where a sideways-facing seat is situated above the wheel arch, in which case this dimension may be reduced to 225 mm. In the case of variable seating arrangements, of any seat when considered to be in use, see item 7.2.4.

7.2.2.6. any surface not being excluded by the provisions in items 7.2.2.1 to 7.2.2.5, on which it is not possible to place a rectangle of 400 mm × 300 mm;

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

7.2.2.8. in double-deck vehicles, any area of the upper deck;

7.2.2.9. the surface of the wheelchair space(s) when considered occupied by (a) wheelchair user(s), see item 7.2.4.

7.2.3. There shall be on the vehicle a number (P) of seating places, other than folding seats, which conform to the requirements of item 7.7.8. If the vehicle is of Class I, II or A the number of seating places on each deck shall be at least equal to the number of square metres of floor on that deck available for passengers and crew (if any) rounded down to the nearest whole number; this number may, in vehicles of Class I, excluding the upper deck, be reduced by 10 %.

7.2.4. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a variable seating capacity the area available for standing passengers (S1) and the provisions of item 7.3 shall be determined for each of the following conditions as applicable:

7.2.4.1. with all possible seats occupied followed by the remaining area for standing passengers and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied;

7.2.4.2. with all possible standing areas occupied followed by the remaining seats available for seated passengers and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied;

7.2.4.3. with all possible wheelchair spaces occupied followed by the remaining area for standing passengers and then the remaining seats available for use occupied.

7.3. Marking of vehicles

7.3.1. 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:

7.3.1.1. the maximum number of seating places the vehicle is designed to carry;

7.3.1.2. the maximum number of standing places, if any, the vehicle is designed to carry;

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

7.3.2. If a vehicle is designed to have a variable number of seating places, area available for standing passengers or number of wheelchairs carried, the requirements of item 7.3.1 shall apply to each maximum seating capacity and the corresponding number of wheelchairs and standing passengers as appropriate.

7.3.3. Space shall be provided in the driver's area, in a position clearly visible to the driver, in letters or pictograms not less than 10 mm high and numbers not less than 12 mm high, with:

7.3.3.1. the mass of baggage which may be carried when the vehicle is loaded with the maximum numbers of passengers and crew and the vehicle is not exceeding the technically permissible maximum mass, or the permissible mass of any axle. This shall include the mass of baggage:

7.3.3.1.1. in baggage compartments (mass B, item 7.4.3.3.1 of Annex I to Directive 97/27/EC);

7.3.3.1.2. on the roof if equipped for the carriage of baggage (mass BX, item 7.4.3.3.1 of Annex I to Directive 97/27/EC).

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 28 degrees from the horizontal.

7.4.2. For the purposes of the above test, the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order as described in item 2.18, with the addition of:

7.4.2.1. Loads equal to Q (as defined in item 7.4.3.3.1, Annex 1 to 97/27/EC) shall be placed on each passenger seat. If the vehicle is intended for standing passengers 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 standing passengers 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 (BX) of not less than that declared by the manufacturer in accordance with item 7.4.3.3.1 of Annex I to 97/27/EC, representing such baggage shall be secured to the roof. The other baggage compartments shall not contain any baggage.

7.4.2.2. If the vehicle has a variable seating capacity, standing capacity or is designed to carry one or more wheelchairs, any area of the passenger compartment in which such variations occur, the loads in item 7.4.2.1 shall be the greater of:

- the mass represented by the number of seated passengers that may occupy the area including the mass of any demountable seats, or

- the mass represented by the number of standing passengers that may occupy the area, or

- the mass of wheelchairs and users that may occupy the area at a total mass of 250 kg each placed at a height of 500 mm above the floor in the centre of each wheelchair space, or

- the mass of seated passengers, standing passengers and wheelchairs users and any combination of these that may occupy the area.

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 item 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 displaced.

7.4.5. Alternatively, a calculation method can be used to show that the vehicle will not overturn under the conditions described in items 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, for example 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.

7.5.3. 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 item does not apply to high tension ignition circuits or to self-contained circuits within a unit of equipment on 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.

7.5.4. 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. Space shall be provided for the fitting of one or more fire extinguishers, one being near the driver's seat. In vehicles of Class A or B the space shall be not less than 8 dm3 and in Class I, II or III not less than 15 dm3.

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 100 mm 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 item, 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:

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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 item 7.6.5.1 has been activated if necessary.

7.6.1.4. The minimum number of exits shall be such that the total number of exits in a separate compartment is as follows:

>TABLE>

Escape hatches can only count as one of the abovementioned number of emergency 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 item 7.6.2.4. Toilet compartments or galleys are not considered to be separate compartments for the purposes of defining the number of emergency exits. 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 or multiple 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 item 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 items 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 item 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 item 7.6.3 for emergency doors;

7.6.1.7.3. in the circumstances described in items 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 items 7.6.1.1 to 7.6.1.2, nor as one of the exits required by item 7.6.1.4, except in the case mentioned in items 7.6.1.7.1 and 7.6.1.7.2. Items 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 item 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 item 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 item 7.6.3.1.

7.6.1.10. Items 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 vehicles of Classes II, III and B. They may also be fitted in the case of Classes I and A vehicles. The minimum number of hatches shall be:

>TABLE>

7.6.2. Siting of exits

Vehicles having a capacity exceeding 22 passengers 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, item 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. Two of the doors referred to in item 7.6.1.1 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 and for vehicles with a rear part permanently closed off from the passenger compartment, this requirement is fulfilled if an escape hatch is fitted.

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 vehicle; 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.

>TABLE>

7.6.3.2. Vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers may meet either the requirements shown in item 7.6.3.1 or those contained in Annex VI, item 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 door from the outside shall be between 1000 and 1500 mm from the ground and not more than 500 mm from the door. In vehicles of Classes I, II and III every control or device for opening a door from the inside shall be between 1000 and 1500 mm from the upper surface of the floor or step nearest to the control and be not more than 500 mm from the door. This shall not apply to controls located within the driver's area.

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 1600 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 and if additional to the normal opening controls, be clearly marked for emergency use;

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 item 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 telltale, 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 telltale 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 telltale may serve for one or more doors. However, no such telltale shall be fitted in respect of a front service door which does not comply with the requirements of items 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;

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 item 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 item 7.6.5.6 shall be considered satisfied if the door:

7.6.5.6.2.1. fulfils the requirements of items 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 item 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 there shall be provided a visual warning device 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. If the vehicle is not fitted with a starting-prevention device, 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 item 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 item 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 item 7.6.6.2.1.1, and the use of the means of communication with the driver mentioned in item 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 item 7.6.6.3.1 or by any other device.

7.6.6.3.3. A door that has closed automatically in accordance with item 7.6.6.3.1 shall be capable of being opened again by a passenger in accordance with item 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 items 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, for exemple 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 a visual telltale.

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. item 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 the use as such, shall not be of the power-operated type unless, once the control prescribed in item 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 in the case of vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers. For these vehicles 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. Every control or device for opening an emergency door from the outside shall be between 1000 and 1500 mm from the ground and not more than 500 mm from the door. In vehicles of Classes I, II and III every control or device for opening a emergency door from the inside shall be between 1000 and 1500 mm from the upper surface of the floor or step nearest to the control and be not more than 500 mm from the door. This shall not apply to controls located within the driver's area.

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 or handle 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 1200 mm nor less than 650 mm in the case of a hinged emergency window, or 500 mm 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 500 mm provided that the window aperture is equipped with a guard up to a height of 650 mm 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 the clear passage from inside or outside the vehicle.

7.6.9.2. Roof escape hatches shall be either ejectable, hinged or made of readily breakable safety glass. Floor hatches shall be either hinged or ejectable and shall be fitted with an audible warning device to warn the driver when it is not securely closed. The floor escape hatch lock, and not the movement of the hatch itself, shall actuate this device. Floor escape hatches shall be proofed against unintentional operation. However this requirement shall not apply if the floor hatch is locked automatically when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h.

7.6.9.3. Ejectable types shall not become totally detached from the vehicle when operated such that the hatch is not a danger to other road users. The operation of ejectable escape hatches shall be such that inadvertent operation is effectively prevented. Floor ejectable hatches shall eject only into the passenger compartment.

7.6.9.4. Hinged escape hatches shall hinge along the edge towards the front or rear of the vehicle and shall hinge through an angle of at least 100 degrees. Hinged floor escape hatches shall hinge into the passenger compartment.

7.6.9.5. Escape hatches shall be capable of being easily opened or removed from the inside and from the 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

Retractable steps if fitted shall comply with the following requirements:

7.6.10.1. the operation of retractable steps may be synchronised with that of the corresponding service or emergency door;

7.6.10.2. when the door is closed no part of the retractable step shall project more than 10 mm beyond the adjacent line of the bodywork;

7.6.10.3. when the door is open and the retractable step is in the extended position, the surface area shall conform to the requirements of item 7.7.7 of this Annex;

7.6.10.4. in the case of a power-operated step, it shall not be possible for the vehicle to move from rest, under its own power, when the step is in the extended position. In the case of a manually-operated step, an audible indication shall alert the driver when the step is not fully retracted;

7.6.10.5. a power-operated step shall not be capable of being extended when the vehicle is in motion. If the device to operate the step fails, the step shall retract and remain in the retracted position. However, the operation of the corresponding door shall not be hindered in the event of such a failure or by the step being damaged or obstructed;

7.6.10.6. when a passenger is standing on a power-operated retractable step, the corresponding door shall be incapable of being closed. Compliance with this requirement shall be checked by placing a mass of 15 kg, representing a small child, at the centre of the step. This requirement shall not apply to any door within the driver's direct field of view;

7.6.10.7. the movement of the retractable step shall not be liable to cause any bodily harm either to passengers or to persons waiting at bus stops;

7.6.10.8. the corners of retractable steps facing forwards or rearwards shall be rounded to a radius of not less than 5 mm; the edges shall be rounded to a radius of not less than 2,5 mm;

7.6.10.9. when the passenger door is open, the retractable step shall be securely held in the extended position. When a mass of 136 kg is placed in the centre of a single step or a mass of 272 kg is placed in the centre of a double step the deflection at any point on the step shall not exceed 10 mm.

7.6.11. Markings

7.6.11.1. Each emergency exit shall be marked, inside and outside the vehicle, by an inscription reading, for example:

"Emergency exit"

"Issue de secours"

"Salida de emergencia"

"Nødudgang"

"Notausstieg"

"Έξοδος κινδύνου"

"Uscita di sicurezza"

"Nooduitgang"

"Saida de emergência"

"Varauloskäynti"

"Nödutgång"

supplemented, where appropriate, 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 items 7.6.11.1 to 7.6.11.3 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 20 mm thick, 400 mm wide and 700 mm in height above the floor, having a second panel 550 mm wide superimposed symmetrically above it; the height of the second panel being as prescribed for the relevant class of vehicle. 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 is 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.

7.7.1.2. The height of the upper rectangular panel shall be for the relevant class of vehicle and category as prescribed in the table below. As an alternative, a trapezoidal section, having a height of 500 mm, 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 1100 mm for all classes of vehicles with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers, and 950 mm for the classes of vehicle with a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers.

>TABLE>

7.7.1.3. When the centre line of this dual panel has traversed a distance of 300 mm 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 item 7.7.1.4 and the dual panel, at the position set out in item 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 (item 7.7.5.1), central section, and of a thickness of no more than 20 mm. 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 300 mm in front of any uncompressed seat cushion of a forward or rearward facing seat or 225 mm in the case of seats fitted at wheel arches, 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 items 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 item 7.6.1.4; and

7.7.1.8.4. when the seat is in the position of use, 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 220 mm at any point and 550 mm at any point being more than 500 mm 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 300 mm at any point and 550 mm at any point being more than 1200 mm above the floor or steps or less than 300 mm below the ceiling (Annex III, figure 4).

7.7.1.10. The service door and emergency door dimensions in item 7.6.3.1 and the requirements of items 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 technically permissible 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 5 % when measured with the vehicle at its mass in running order standing on a horizontal surface. Any kneeling device shall not be engaged.

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 300 mm in diameter and 700 mm high from the floor and supporting a second vertical cylinder 550 mm in diameter, the aggregate height of the assembly being 1400 mm.

The diameter of the upper cylinder may be reduced at the top to 400 mm 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 item 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 600 × 400 mm with corners radiused by 200 mm. However, in the case of an emergency window in the rear face of the vehicle, the test gauge may alternatively have a size of 1400 mm × 350 mm with corners radiused by 175 mm.

7.7.4. Access to escape hatches

7.7.4.1. Escape hatches in the roof

7.7.4.1.1. Except in the case of Class I vehicles, at least one escape hatch shall be located such, that a four-sided truncated pyramid having a side angle of 20° and a height of 1600 mm touches part of a seat or equivalent support. The axis of the pyramid shall be vertical and its smaller section shall contact the aperture area of the escape hatch. Supports may be foldable or movable provided they can be locked in their position of use. This position shall be taken for verification.

7.7.4.1.2. When the structural thickness of the roof is more than 150 mm, the smaller section of the pyramid shall contact the aperture area of the escape hatch at the level of the outside surface of the roof.

7.7.4.2. Escape hatches in the floor

In the case of an escape hatch fitted in the floor, the hatch shall give direct and free access to the exterior of the vehicle and be fitted where there is a clear space above the hatch equivalent to the height of the gangway. Any heat source or moving components shall be at least 500 mm from any part of the hatch aperture.

It shall be possible to move a test gauge in the form of a thin plate having 600 mm 400 mm with corners radiused by 200 mm in a horizontal position from a height above the floor of the vehicle of 1,00 m to the ground.

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 mm):

>TABLE>

The diameter of the upper cylinder may be reduced at the top to 300 mm when a chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included.

The gauging device may come into contact with strap hangers, if fitted, or other flexible objects such as seat belt components, 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 item 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 660 mm;

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 450 mm to 400 mm 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 (foremost rear axle in the case of vehicles with more than one 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 220 mm, 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 easily and, if possible, automatically, even when it is loaded, to the position corresponding to a minimum width of 300 mm.

7.7.5.4. On articulated buses the gauging device defined in item 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 item 7.7.5.3.

7.7.5.8. In the case of vehicles to which item 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. The surface of gangways and access passages shall be slip resistant.

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 not activated, shall not exceed:

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

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

7.7.6.3. 5 % 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, with the kneeling system not activated, and the minimum depth, of steps for passengers at service and emergency doors and within the vehicle shall be as follows:

>TABLE>

7.7.7.1.1. Any transition from a sunken gangway to a seating area shall not be considered to be a step. However, the vertical distance between the gangway surface and the floor of the seating area shall not exceed 350 mm.

7.7.7.2. For the purpose of item 7.7.7, 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 first step in relation to the ground shall be measured with the vehicle on level ground, at its mass in running order as defined in item 2.18 and the tyre equipment and pressure being as specified by the manufacturer for the technically permissible maximum laden mass (M) declared in accordance with item 2.19.

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 100 mm and the projection over the tread below shall leave a free surface of at least 200 mm (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 as 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.

>TABLE>

7.7.7.6. All steps shall have a slip-resistant surface.

7.7.7.7. The maximum slope of the step in any direction shall not exceed 5 % when the unladen vehicle is standing on a smooth and horizontal surface in its normal condition of travel (in particular any kneeling device shall not be engaged).

7.7.8. Passenger seats and space for seated passengers

7.7.8.1. Minimum seat width

7.7.8.1.1. The minimum width of the seat cushion, dimension F (Annex III, figure 9), measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of that seating position, shall be:

Class I, II, A, B: 200 mm

Class III: 225 mm.

7.7.8.1.2. The minimum width of the available space for each seating position, dimension G (Annex III, figure 9) measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of that seating position at height between 270 and 650 mm above the uncompressed seat cushion shall be not less than:

individual seats: 250 mm

continuous rows of seats for two or more passengers: 225 mm.

7.7.8.1.3. For vehicles 2,35 m in width or less, the 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 270 and 650 mm above the uncompressed seat cushion shall be 200 mm (see Annex III, figure 9(a)). In case of compliance with this paragraph the requirements of item 7.7.8.1.2 shall not apply.

7.7.8.1.4. 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 20 mm wide by 100 mm 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 (dimension K, see Annex III, figure 11)

The minimum depth of a seat cushion shall be:

7.7.8.2.1. 350 mm in vehicles of Classes I, A and B; and

7.7.8.2.2. 400 mm in vehicles of Classes II and Class III.

7.7.8.3. Height of seat cushion (dimension H, 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 400 and 500 mm: this height may however be reduced to not less than 350 mm 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.

>TABLE>

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 1300 mm.

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

7.7.8.4.5. Measurements shall be taken with any folding table fitted to a seat back 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 item 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 two in Class I and Class II and one in Class A forward- or rearward-facing seat(s) 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 item 7.7.10 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.

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 1350 mm from the mean level of the floor in the foot space. In the case of vehicles to which item 7.7.1.10. applies, this dimension may be reduced to 1200 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 280 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 items 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 upper 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 upper 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 an outboard seat, a zone of a cross-sectional area not exceeding, 0,02 m2 (0,03 m2 for Class I low-floor vehicles) and having a maximum width not exceeding 100 mm (150 mm for Class I low-floor vehicles) (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 items 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). In the case of two seats facing each other this provision shall apply to only one of the seats and the remaining space for the feet of seated passengers must be at least 400 mm.

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 hopper type windows when open and their fittings, of the dashboard/instrument panel, windscreen, sun visors, seat belts, seat belt anchorages and front dome.

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, in vehicles of Classes I and A no more than 1200 mm 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, for example:

"bus stopping"

"arrêt demandé"

"parada solicitada"

"standser"

"Bus hält"

"στάση"

"fermata richiesta"

"bus stopt"

"paragem"

"pysähtyy"

"stannar"

or equivalent, and/or a suitable pictogram and shall remain illuminated until the service door(s) open(s). 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.

7.7.10. Hot-drink machines and cooking equipment

7.7.10.1. 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.

7.7.10.2. On vehicles fitted with hot-drink machines or cooking equipment, all passenger seats shall have adequate provision 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 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 and the area immediately around the service door(s);

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. Provision 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 mass in running order 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. 10 mm when all the wheels of the vehicle are on the same plane; or

7.9.2.2. 20 mm when the wheels of the axle adjacent to the articulated section are resting on a surface which is 150 mm 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. 20 mm in the conditions described in item 7.9.2.1; or

7.9.3.2. 30 mm in the conditions described in item 7.9.2.2.

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 item 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 100 mm to accommodate a hand. No dimension of the section shall be smaller than 20 mm or greater than 45 mm except in the case of handrails on doors and seats and, in the case of a vehicle of Classes II, III and B, in access passages. In these cases hand rails having a minimum dimension of 15 mm shall be permitted provided that one other dimension is of at least 25 mm. Handrails 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 of at least 40 mm. However, in the case of a handrail on a door or a seat, or in the access passage of a vehicle of Classes II, III and B, a minimum clearance of 35 mm shall be permitted.

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

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 item 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 item 7.11.2.1, only such handrails and handholds shall be considered as are not less than 800 mm and not more than 1900 mm 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 1500 mm above the level of the floor at that position. This does not apply to an area adjacent to a door where the door or its mechanism in open position would prevent the use of this handhold.

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 800 mm and 1500 mm 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. In the case of double doors this requirement can be fulfilled by fitting one central stanchion or one central handrail.

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 800 and 1100 mm 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 400 mm inwards from the ou