Risk news

Mobility vehicles will be subject to new regulation aimed at improving the safety of the people who use them and other road users.

Under the Department for Transport (DfT) proposals, the vehicles - which are often used by the elderly to help them get around - will be subject to changes regarding their design and permitted speeds if they are to be allowed on the road.

Other suggested regulations include a move to mandatory insurance, rather than the current voluntary system and changes to the maximum permitted weight of mobility scooters.

The consultation on the issue will be open for 12 weeks until May 28th 2010.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan pointed out that the vehicles are likely to increase in proliferation due to the UK's ageing population.

He added: "The technology for the vehicles themselves is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

"It is only right then that legislation is brought up to date to reflect these advancements."

The main legislation which currently governs the use of mobility vehicles is now more than 20 years old.

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