'Hells Grannies'
Discussion
On the BBC website - what do PH'ers think?
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4371431.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4371431.stm</a>
Wheelchairs prompt safety fears
Motorised wheelchairs used by pensioners and disabled people need to be governed by more safety regulations, says a Liberal Democrat MP.
Bob Russell says the machines help many people but is worried they can be a threat to pedestrians when used badly.
He says there should be more rules on user competence, third party insurance, maintenance and second-hand sales.
"Hell's grannies" is the nickname given to the worst users of the machines, which are driven by 100,000 Britons.
Last year, eight wheelchair users died in crashes and there were 1,142 "adverse" incidents involving all types of wheelchair, according to government figures.
One woman reportedly died when she reversed her wheelchair off a pier into the sea.
Collision fears
Mr Russell says the machines can reach 8mph and could hurt pedestrians if there was a collision.
Reputable dealers make sure people get the appropriate wheelchair, he said, praising Shopmobility in his Colchester constituency.
But the MP raised his fears after the Essex Disabled People's Association made a warning about second hand sales.
Mr Russell told BBC News: "This is a relatively new form of transport over the last 10 or 20 years.
"They have improved the situation for those who have a need for these machines ... The problem is with the second hand market."
He is worried that the wheelchairs often outlive their owner and can be sold on without proper checks on maintenance or whether they are suitable for the buyer.
Just as there are good and bad cyclists, there are good and bad users of powered wheelchairs
Insurance is not compulsory for motorised wheelchairs, although the Department of Health does recommend third party cover.
Mr Russell's call has sparked criticism from some disabled people's groups.
Allen Jones, chairman of the Wheelchair Users' Group, said the same concerns could apply to cyclists.
He told the Times newspaper: "Will they now regulate cyclists who travel much faster and often on the pavements?
"Just as there are good and bad cyclists, there are good and bad users of powered wheelchairs."
Mr Jones admitted he had seen some wheelchair users driving like "stupid idiots".
The speed limits for the wheelchairs are 4mph on pavements - essentially walking pace - and 8mph on roads.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said she was not aware of anybody ever being prosecuted under the speeding rules, but could not say whether or not police had given informal warnings.
The department is reviewing safety standards for the wheelchairs, including speed limits, technical requirements and training.
The vast majority of users drove safely, she added.
Regulation warning
Mr Russell's concerns were addressed by Health Minister Stephen Ladyman in a recent House of Commons debate.
He said the speed limits painted "a picture of policemen hiding behind trees with radar guns to leap out and catch 'hell's grannies' as they perambulate through our constituencies".
Mr Ladyman said further regulation would impose unnecessary restrictions on those who depend on the wheelchairs for a better quality of life.
But he acknowledged the second-hand market was a "big concern".
>>> Edited by MrsRotty on Tuesday 22 March 16:05
>>> Edited by MrsRotty on Tuesday 22 March 16:07
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4371431.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4371431.stm</a>
Wheelchairs prompt safety fears
Motorised wheelchairs used by pensioners and disabled people need to be governed by more safety regulations, says a Liberal Democrat MP.
Bob Russell says the machines help many people but is worried they can be a threat to pedestrians when used badly.
He says there should be more rules on user competence, third party insurance, maintenance and second-hand sales.
"Hell's grannies" is the nickname given to the worst users of the machines, which are driven by 100,000 Britons.
Last year, eight wheelchair users died in crashes and there were 1,142 "adverse" incidents involving all types of wheelchair, according to government figures.
One woman reportedly died when she reversed her wheelchair off a pier into the sea.
Collision fears
Mr Russell says the machines can reach 8mph and could hurt pedestrians if there was a collision.
Reputable dealers make sure people get the appropriate wheelchair, he said, praising Shopmobility in his Colchester constituency.
But the MP raised his fears after the Essex Disabled People's Association made a warning about second hand sales.
Mr Russell told BBC News: "This is a relatively new form of transport over the last 10 or 20 years.
"They have improved the situation for those who have a need for these machines ... The problem is with the second hand market."
He is worried that the wheelchairs often outlive their owner and can be sold on without proper checks on maintenance or whether they are suitable for the buyer.
Just as there are good and bad cyclists, there are good and bad users of powered wheelchairs
Insurance is not compulsory for motorised wheelchairs, although the Department of Health does recommend third party cover.
Mr Russell's call has sparked criticism from some disabled people's groups.
Allen Jones, chairman of the Wheelchair Users' Group, said the same concerns could apply to cyclists.
He told the Times newspaper: "Will they now regulate cyclists who travel much faster and often on the pavements?
"Just as there are good and bad cyclists, there are good and bad users of powered wheelchairs."
Mr Jones admitted he had seen some wheelchair users driving like "stupid idiots".
The speed limits for the wheelchairs are 4mph on pavements - essentially walking pace - and 8mph on roads.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said she was not aware of anybody ever being prosecuted under the speeding rules, but could not say whether or not police had given informal warnings.
The department is reviewing safety standards for the wheelchairs, including speed limits, technical requirements and training.
The vast majority of users drove safely, she added.
Regulation warning
Mr Russell's concerns were addressed by Health Minister Stephen Ladyman in a recent House of Commons debate.
He said the speed limits painted "a picture of policemen hiding behind trees with radar guns to leap out and catch 'hell's grannies' as they perambulate through our constituencies".
Mr Ladyman said further regulation would impose unnecessary restrictions on those who depend on the wheelchairs for a better quality of life.
But he acknowledged the second-hand market was a "big concern".
>>> Edited by MrsRotty on Tuesday 22 March 16:05
>>> Edited by MrsRotty on Tuesday 22 March 16:07
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