Just got back from a family cruise in the Caribbean and I couldn’t help but notice how many mobility scooters there were on board. What a great facility for someone who cannot get around that quickly – as honestly the cruise ships these days are just getting bigger and bigger. Special ramps onto the decks maybe everywhere on the ship pretty accessible – a plus for those who have limited mobility but still want to tour the world!
But it seems that everything that is good in life will at some stage be compromised and have people taking advantage of it. Here’s an example – courtesy Bruce Parkinson of Open Jaw.
“Spanish tourist hotspot Benidorm has banned people from using mobility scooters, electric scooters and Segways on pavements.
The ban applies to residents as well as tourists, who have been criticized for using the vehicles to get around even if they don’t physically need them.
The move is part of a crackdown on what has been dubbed ‘uncivic tourism.’ Barcelona and Madrid have already introduced similar legislation and other towns and resorts, including Majorca’s Palma are considering following suit.”
I couldn’t quite believe this so I did some digging and found this update on one of the Spain news networks –
“Rulebreakers face fines of up to €500 for riding mobility scooters on Benidorms pavements.
The civil chiefs of Benidorm are now bringing in new laws to ban battery powered vehicles such as mobility scooters from the pavements of the popular resort. Furthermore, anyone caught going faster than 12mph on a battery-powered vehicle will now face a fine of up to €500. This will include mobility scooters, segways, hoverboards and electric unicycles, even if the individual is riding in a cycle lane.
Furthermore, under the new rules, battery-powered vehicles will also need to be insured and come fitted with a bell before cruising the streets of Benidorm. While the laws were first suggested two years ago, they have finally been voted for in the seventh time. The next step involves a public consultation before it is written into law.
The rules come in a bid to ensure the safety of pedestrians in the area as there have been several accidents involving pedestrians in Benidorm. Furthermore, Alicante has issued similar moves. Consequently, Mallorca is considering a similar scheme.
The scooters have been known to cause fatal accidents including a 93-year-old woman who was knocked down by an electric scooter in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona. Another woman died after falling off a scooter and then being run over by a truck.”
Wow – so it seems that things are getting out of hand there. Shame for the people who really need a mobility scooter rather than these lads …
and these
So a few idiots have spoilt it all for the people who really have mobility challenges and want to see the world. 😦
