MPs urge safety action on mobility scooters

Little Madison McNair was badly hurt when a scooter careered into her and her mother Kerry in Doncaster town centre in May last year.

Both were in a pedestrian area when Mrs McNair, of Shafton, near Barnsley, was hit from behind and her daughter was knocked to the ground and run over before being dragged along the street.

The 70-year-old woman driving the scooter failed to stop until passers-by intervened.

Police spoke to the woman, who tried to drive off, but allowed her on her way as no charges could be brought against her.

Madison had part of her scalp ripped off and was left covered in cuts and bruises.

Barnsley East and Mexborough MP Jeff Ennis told the Commons action was needed to prevent further incidents.

He was backed by York MP Hugh Bayley, who called for scooter users to have compulsory third party insurance in case of injury to others. One of his constituents was admitted to hospital after she was run down by a scooter when she was out shopping in 2008, leaving her with continuing disabilities.

Mr Ennis said the Government should consider schemes involving local shops and the police running voluntary proficiency tests to help new and existing scooter users operate their vehicles.

He also urged Transport Minister Sadiq Khan to consider a new offence of driving a mobility scooter in a dangerous manner.

Mr Khan promised to look into the issues and consider carrying out a wider consultation on changing the law.

Mr Ennis said: "I am extremely pleased with the very positive response from the Minister."