Mobility scooter users obey the rules set for them
IN REPLY to a letter from R. J. Smith in the Guernsey Press of 8 January complaining that mobility scooter users seem to ignore rules, that the police turn a blind eye and that the Environment Department does nothing about it, the writer is incorrect on all points. The law on the use of mobility scooters is very clear and was approved by the States of Deliberation about 15 years ago, therefore mobility scooter users are not breaking the law.
The rules are that, in Guernsey, third party insurance should be taken out and to use on pavements, the low speed of up to 4mph must be used. Up to 8mph, which is allowed, must be on the road and the scooter must have a hooter and lighting, including indicators.
There is nothing about that to suggest the police are turning a blind eye.
In Guernsey, mobility scooters do not need to be registered but nor do some other wheeled appliances and if the police had reason to stop a mobility scooter with a top speed of 8mph, they are hardly able to make a run for it
even if the police were on foot.
The use of mobility scooters in the UK
is much the same, except they do not require insurance, are allowed on pavements and roads as in Guernsey,
but not on motorways.
The question is, why has the writer so much anger towards mobility scooter users? Has the writer's journey been delayed a minute or so by a scooter? Whatever the reason, we should all remember the majority of mobility scooter users are doing so because of becoming older or not being able to walk very well and not through choice, as the writer may learn in later life.
As car drivers, we have the comfort of a modern car. A mobility scooter user does not have those comforts, especially in winter weather.
The writer's last demand of registering them or get them off the road. The law does not require or provide any facility to register them but the law does allow them on the road.
To the writer, live and let live, please.
E. LE PAGE,
Address withheld.
