Police highlight law after mobility scooter 'hit and run' (From The Northern Echo)

Police highlight law after mobility scooter 'hit and run'

9:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2007 in

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POLICE are highlighting the regulations surrounding the use of mobility scooters in the wake of a recent 'hit and run' accident.

Jo Hankin, 54, suffered a broken leg and had to stay in hospital for a week after being hit by a scooter in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The woman driver of the scooter drove away from the scene of the accident without stopping.

She has since been tracked down and apologised for her driving.

"Ever increasing numbers of mobility scooters are appearing on the streets and the issues thrown up are not unique to Teesdale, they affect the whole of England and Wales. "

Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Tuck

Kevin Tuck, Neighbourhood Inspector, from Barnard Castle Police, said: "Ever increasing numbers of mobility scooters are appearing on the streets and the issues thrown up are not unique to Teesdale, they affect the whole of England and Wales.

"Where future complaints are made, Durham Constabulary will look at each incident on its merits.

"All factors will have to be considered including severity, circumstances and whether it is actually in the public interest to prosecute the rider.

"We hope that future complaints to the police will be few and far between."

Class two scooters are not allowed on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph. They are not required to be registered with the DVLA or have insurance and tax.

The more powerful Class three scooters can travel at up to 4mph on pavements or up to 8mph on the road. The scooters are legally allowed on dual carriageway but this is not advised by police.

They are not allowed on motorways, cycle tracks or in bus lanes.

No insurance is required, however owners are advised to have public liability insurance.

Both class two and class three carriages are mechanically propelled and owners can be arrested for the offence of careless and dangerous driving.