Safety campaign targets mobility scooters

6:15am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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By David Roberts »

PEOPLE who drive their electric wheelchairs too fast around a North-East town are being targeted in a new safety campaign.

Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) is aiming to educate users of electronic wheelchairs and scooters to keep to the speed limit while they are driving around the town.

The legal speed limit on a footpath is 4mph, however, some of the vehicles can reach speeds of up to 8mph.

Pedestrians are being asked to report anyone who is seen driving in an unacceptable manner.

DAD says Darlington is widely recognised for its accessibility following the recent pedestrianisation of the town centre, the blue badge parking spaces and the network of dropped kerbs.

This has led to an increase in the amount of people using Darlington's Shopmobility services provided by DAD in partnership with Darlington Borough Council.

All of the Shopmobility scooters have a top speed of 4mph, but this can still be fast in a pedestrianised area.

DAD is making all of its equipment easily identifiable by putting stickers and numbers on its fleet and asking anyone who sees it being driven in an unsafe manner to report it.

Coun David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "I have been involved with the Shopmobility service from the very beginning, over 14 years ago.

"I am delighted that DAD, through Shopmobility is leading this Go Slow initiative for all powered scooter and wheelchair users that will make Darlington Town Centre safer and enjoyable for all those who access it."

DAD is also passing out an information booklet called Getting Wise to Using Electric Scooters and Wheelchairs.

It contains information on the need for a Highway Code for electric wheelchairs, points to consider when buying a vehicle and safety guidelines.

Gordon Pybus, chair of Darlington Association on Disability said: "The information within this booklet will remind people of their responsibilities as a scooter or wheelchair user and that people on foot may not see or hear them coming.

"Not all complaints about scooters and wheelchairs are justified, but don't make it difficult for other people out there, remember to slow down.

"There is no need for anyone to travel at these excessive speeds, please consider others."

Anyone who would like a copy of the booklet or who wants to report an unsafe driver can contact DADs office on Horsemarket, Darlington, call 01325-489999 or email paulineg@darlingtondisability.org.

* Have you been affected by this issue? Is the safety campaign a good idea?