Rules on wheels

The new Highway Code sets out safety standards for scooter and wheelchair-users as well as car drivers, says Helen Smith

The latest edition of the Highway Code was launched in late September. In the first revision for eight years, the code has doubled in size, with 29 more rules.

The update includes a new safety code for users of powered wheelchairs and scooter-users as well as advice for novice drivers.

There have always been rules and regulations governing powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (“invalid carriages” in law) but this is the first time they have been included in the Highway Code.

The rules determining the class of an invalid carriage remain the same. Class two vehicles have an upper speed limit of 4mph (6km/h) and are designed to be used on the pavement. Class three vehicles have an upper speed limit of eight mph (12 km/h) and can be used on the road and the pavement.

The code advises wheelchair and scooterusers to obey the guidance and rules for other vehicles. So, for example, if you are travelling on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians.

Wheelchair and scooterusers are also told not to travel faster than 4mph on the pavement. This is a legal requirement and if you exceed this speed you are committing a criminal offence. There is also advice in the code on how to climb or descend kerbs safely, and class two users are also told to use the pavement wherever possible.

When travelling on the road, class three wheelchair and scooter-users are told to travel in the direction of the traffic, and if it is dark to use lights. The vehicle must also be fitted with indicators and a horn, and users should wear reflective clothing or have a reflective strip at the back of their wheelchair when they travel on the road. These vehicles must not be used on motorways and should not be used on dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph (80km/h).

However, if they are used on dual carriageways, they must have a flashing amber beacon.

The code also describes how to park the vehicle and people are advised not to leave their scooter or wheelchair unattended if it is causing an obstruction.

In general, the new code puts more emphasis on attitude, courtesy and awareness of other road-users.

Kent-based approved driving instructor Paul Dolphin, of BSM, welcomes the new version. He says: “I’m glad to see that the Highway Code has finally been updated. It contained advice which was out of date and not relevant any more.”

Jim Rawlings, chief information officer for Mobilise, welcomes the new section for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and says: “We have lots of calls from people who are very confused about what speed they can travel on their scooter and if they are allowed on the road. This new code takes away any misunderstanding, so people know exactly what they legally are allowed to do.”

The Official Highway Code is published by The Stationery Office and is priced at £2.50. Visit www.tsoshop.co.uk/highwaycode or tel: 0870 6005522. Copies are also available from high street and online bookstores, and it is available free at www.direct.gov.uk/ highwaycode.

A new, interactive version, The Official Highway Code on CD-ROM, will be launched this month.