EIGHT mph mobility scooters are wrong.

Much as I can sympathise with the limiting predicament that physical disabilities can cause, I cannot understand why Class 3 motorised mobility scooters are allowed to be designed, built and sold, capable of travelling up to a legal maximum of eight mph on roads but legally restricted to four mph on pavements – as detailed on the website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069852.

By definition, these vehicles are meant to allow those who cannot walk to move around on pavements with similar ease to able-bodied pedestrians.

So logically it makes sense that these vehicles move at the same speed as said pedestrians. As most of us do not exceed four mph walking speed, then why aren’t these vehicles limited to four mph maximum to match the rest of us – even when we are all crossing roads?

I have witnessed accidents occurring where careless driving in excess of four mph in pedestrian areas, by less than sympathetic drivers of these ‘buggies’, has shown little or no pavement manners among the able-bodied.

In fact, some of the older members of this fraternity give the impression they should not be allowed anywhere near a powered vehicle.

Either four mph speed limiters should be fitted by law, or comprehensive insurance should be a legal requirement.

Anti-disabled? No, of course not, but all of us should take actual and legal responsibility for our actions while out in public. If not, one day someone will be seriously injured because misplaced sympathy over-ruled common sense.

MICK HEAVEY Oxford Road Old Marston Oxford