Moray MP Douglas Ross is backing a call by the Guide Dogs campaign to stop the illegal use of e-scooters on pavements.
Douglas met with charity representatives recently where he heard how scooter use on pavements poses a real danger to people with sight loss and their guide dogs.
Commenting Douglas said: “It was very interesting to learn about the work done by the charity supporting people with sight loss and understanding how they have to cope with so much every time they venture out.
“I was keen to offer my support after hearing that trials are taking place to determine where scooters can be used more widely on our streets.
“There is a concern that the increase in use of privately-owned e-scooters which are not legal to use on public roads will cause problems for all pedestrians, but particularly people with sight loss who cannot see an e-scooter approach and are therefore particularly at risk.
“I have given my support to the calls for a public information campaign to stop the illegal use of e-scooters and I understand that there is also support for ensuring that these scooters can also be heard rather than be silent, so people with sight loss know they are coming.
“Collisions with e-scooters and pedestrians could potentially result in serious injuries so it is vital that we do everything we can to protect the partially sighted from colliding with this e-scooters.”
Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager for Guide Dogs, Chris Theobald, added:
“We have seen alarming reports of unsafe and anti-social behaviour, pedestrians injured in collisions, and illegal private e-scooter use increasing. 68% of guide dog owners have told us that e-scooters reduce their confidence to leave the house. It’s essential that pavements are kept clear and safe. That’s why we’re asking for better enforcement, controls on sales, and safety features if they are to be legalised.”
