4(1) Each passenger doorway in the side of a regulated rail vehicle shall be indicated clearly by doors (excluding any window in or control device on the doors) rendered to contrast with the exterior of the vehicle to each side of that doorway.
Design need
People with a visual impairment often have great difficulty in finding the external doors of a rail vehicle within the time available to board. This regulation ensures that the doors are clearly highlighted through the use of contrast so that passengers can locate them more easily. Contrast may be achieved by use of a different colour. This requirement applies equally on vehicles where doors are always operated automatically or by crew, because people with a visual impairment still need early warning of where doors are situated.
Application
"Contrast" is defined in regulation 2(1) - see page 13. "Rendered" refers to applied 'colour', whether through the use of paints, vinyls, sheet metals or any other material that is used to create a 'coloured' appearance or contributes to the overall visual clarity of the doors.
Operators and manufacturers should ensure that the techniques they use do not result in light reflectance that is uncomfortable on the eye. They are therefore strongly discouraged from using materials that cause glare, such as metallic paint or other non- standard gloss finishes which could nullify the benefits of colour contrast.
There is no prescription relating to the actual colours which may be used in achieving a good level of contrast. It is the way in which those colours are combined to contrast with each other which requires careful consideration. Further detailed guidance on contrasting colours can be found in Appendix A. Where any new and untested techniques are proposed, operators would be advised to consult DTLR.
The use of graphics, or all over body advertising, should generally be avoided as these can detract from the clarity of the livery and cause visual confusion. Where, however, operators wish to use the design of a sponsor on the external surface of the vehicle, or indeed within the vehicle itself, no element of the graphic should detract from the contrast of the doors.
