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Users of mobility scooters to be asked to pass a test of competency

“This Association in conference assembled urges Her Majesty’s Government to ensure that all users of mobility scooters be asked to pass a test of competency before they are allowed to purchase or hire one.”

NORTH WARKS ASSOCIATION,

2018

We understand from research that there are rules in the Highway Code over the use of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, in section 36 to 46, and these include rules for use both on pavements and roads.  The trouble is with no written test to ensure users have read and understood these, and no practical test either to ensure competent use, the public are in danger of accidents and injuries.  Of course accidents can still happen after someone has took a test, but at least it could reduce the risk, as at present there is no such test required.

As the law stands at present anyone can currently purchase a scooter regardless of mental ability, but of course in some cases mental ability and reactions could be impaired such as if someone is suffering from dementia, or even reduced sight.  Surely this is wrong.

The current rules in the Highway Code advise of speed and awareness, but without this being enforced or tested, it is in effect just guidelines.  There are countless examples of accidents we could quote here, you only need to look on line for such examples, but to enforce the importance of this issue we will detail some examples here.

A piece printed in the Daily Express on Friday 20th July 2018.  The family of a former soldier, who died after crashing his mobility scooter, have described the lack of regulation governing the sale and use of scooters as scandalous.  William Peaking from Derby suffered from Alzheimer’s disease drove his mobility scooter across a busy road without stopping or looking and was hit by a car.  He died 10 months later, and his family were calling for action because although his driving license was taking away from him in 2014 there was nothing stopping him from purchasing a scooter, no medical questions asked if anything.  His family tried but could not stop him driving it.  His daughter-in-law, on the day she was granted daily living allowance as she had been declared registered blind, was given leaflets on getting around including information on mobility scooters.  In the case of this man, the coroner found that although his accident was 10 months before he passed away, it was a contributing factor, and the Assistant Coroner promised to write to the Transport Secretary asking for a change in the law and also for certain medical checks to be carried out to access ability to be able to drive such a vehicle. They are not toys and can cause danger.

Reply from:- Clint D’Souza – Minister for Transport Representative on behalf of Road User Licensing, Insurance and Safety Division
You raise some concerns about the issue of mobility scooter safety for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental issues.  Mobility vehicle users are encouraged to have an assessment with a dealer or supplier before acquiring a vehicle and to take training in their use.  The law does not require people to provide proof that they have a physical defect or disability in order to qualify to use a mobility scooter.

It is strongly recommended that those who intend to use a mobility scooter avail themselves of existing advice and training and that they take out insurance cover.  Creating a consistent, reliable mobility scooter policy which balances the interests of all road users continues to be a challenge.  The department has no current plans to mandate the training, registration or insurance of mobility scooters, but it is committed to ensuring that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs remain safe, mobile and independent.

The department has developed a comprehensive guide for users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, including legal requirements, eyesight requirements and relevant Highway Code information.  It is available to view at: https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules.

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December Update

2020 is a year none of us will forget in a hurry but as it draws to a close we would like to update you with the current situation as far as Head Office is concerned. The office is now closed until after Christmas but Claire, our secretary, is working from home.

It has been a very strange year with no events, no clubs, no getting together. All our events had to be cancelled, and though we are no different to any other organisation it has been such a pity because this is what we are about friendship, education and fun. On the positive side we have worked hard getting out letters to as many members as we could with the help of club officials. They have been brilliant keeping in touch with their members through emails, ‘WhatsApp’ and phone calls they all deserve a star!

With the moving into different tiers it sometimes gets very confusing and loneliness has been talked about a lot on the television and the media but we hope through the clubs this has not affected our members too much. With the hope of a vaccine it might not be too long before we are back and enjoying our club life again and remember after December 21st the days start to get longer and Spring will be around the corner.

Here at Head Office Eleanor retired at the end of September, Eleanor had told us of her plans at the beginning of the year so we had plenty of notice but of course we could not have the retirement party she was entitled to. However, we are hoping she will come to conference next year and we can say farewell properly. We did send flowers on the day and Mary, our treasurer made her a collage of all our good wishes, and it was beautiful.

If you are looking at our website for the first time look at the list of clubs and see if we have one near you, they are friendly places to go to. Most meet once a week with speakers, demonstrations and outings. Each club is different and if there isn’t one in your area, why don’t you start one!  We honestly think our sort of club is just what the women of our country needs right now.  We are a non-political, non-religious and non- sectarian group that offers friendship and interest. Take a look at this website and see what we have to offer.

So Christmas is coming and what a difference to the one we probably envisaged, but remember ladies we might not be able to party as we have in the past but if we keep safe we can celebrate next year with family and friends. 

So on behalf of The Committee to all our members and whoever is looking at this website, we wish you all a Merry Christmas, keep well and let’s look forward to a better New Year.