Moray MP backs Guide Dogs campaign against illegal use of e-scooters on pavements
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross is backing a Guide Dogs campaign to stop the illegal use of e-scooters on pavements.
E-scooters are almost silent, which means people with sight loss have little or no warning that they are approaching.
Guide Dogs says that even a near-miss with an e-scooter can rob people with vision impairment of the confidence to go out and about independently.
Mr Ross recently met with charity representatives where he heard how scooter use on pavements poses a real danger to people with sight loss and their guide dogs.
He 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 e-scooters."
Chris Theobald, senior campaigns manager for Guide Dogs, said: "We have seen alarming reports of unsafe and anti-social behaviour, pedestrians injured in collisions and illegal private e-scooter use increasing.
"68 per cent 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."
