Local MEP calls for there to be more safety for mobility scooters.

Local MEP Richard Howitt paid a visit to an Essex-based disability charity last week to find out about mobility scooters and concerns over safety. Mr Howitt, president of the European Parliament's All Party Disability Group, went to Disability Essex's training centre in Rochford, on January 7

Following extensive discussions with Dick Robinson, the charity's scooter and vehicle training manager, Mr Howitt was persuaded to undertake two test drives. The first, using a standard pavement mobility scooter that has a maximum speed of four miles per hour, involved manoeuvring around small cones to mimic use in a supermarket. The politician said this was "a daunting experience for a first-time user".

The second test, in the driving rain and around the charity's test track, was in an enclosed "road use" scooter, at eight miles per hour. Richard Boyd, chief executive of Disability Essex, acted as a training supervisor, trotting behind as the MEP experienced the cambers and bumps of a grass track.

After these test drives, Mr Howitt explained his concerns about safety for mobility scooter users and pedestrians, and referred to the years of work that had been undertaken by the European Parliament's Disability Rights Group.

He said he was shocked to be told that 8mph mobility scooters could be used, legally, on dual carriageways, even if the driver had no training, test or insurance. "I am amazed," he said, "that laws for registering such scooters with the DVLA appear to be unknown to the general public. The charity told me that they are aware of four deaths resulting from mobility scooter accidents in Essex as well as scores of accidents. They highlighted their concerns that you can pick up a mobility scooter from Ebay one day and take to the streets the next without any training - causing mobility scooter users to be a danger to themselves and other pedestrians and road users. These mobility scooters weigh in at 20 stone and can travel at 8mph so if you drive into a pedestrian or crash into a lamppost you can do some serious damage."

He said he would take back what he had learned to the All Party Disability Group, but added that there was no easy solution to the problems raised, as there was currently no consensus in Europe over standards and laws relating to such vehicles.

Disability Essex aims to enable people with disabilities to control their own lives and enjoy opportunities to the full. It provides free training to Rochford residents who wish to improve their skills in driving mobility scooters. For more information go to www.disabilityessex.org.