Major Highway Code changes gain support as certain road users 'excluded' from new rule update

Experts are warning that this trend could continue to rise without changes to the Highway Code, which currently has little guidance for mobility scooter users.

Rule 36 states that when mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are on the road, they should obey the guidance and rules for other vehicles. Similarly, when they are on the pavement, they should follow the guidance for pedestrians.

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However, it has been highlighted that mobility scooters are not included in the "hierarchy of road users" which was introduced to the Highway Code in 2022.

This was launched to assign greater responsibility to those who can cause the most harm, like HGVs, while prioritising the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Campaigners from SureWise are calling on the Government to add mobility scooter users to the hierarchy, adding that the present omission leaves a "critical gap in protection".

They state that mobility scooters are more vulnerable than cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, although pedestrians retain their place as the most vulnerable in the hierarchy.

Surewise, which insures more than 130,000 mobility scooters said its "Safer Mobility" campaign had received backing from numerous police forces, local authorities and Nottingham Trent University.

Richard Hannan, director of the company, said: "Mobility scooter users are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, yet their unique needs are often overlooked.

"The fact that their exclusion from the Highway Code persists while fatalities rise is simply unacceptable. Their safety and prioritisation must be reflected in road safety policies."

He also blasted the "archaic" language still used in legislation to describe mobility scooters, which can include "invalid carriages". This is now widely considered to be inaccurate and out-of-date.

Further data from the DfT reported that mobility scooter user injuries decreased from 270 in 2022 to 247 in 2023, although this may be down to underreporting or inconsistencies in how it is collated.

Hannan added: "Even minor collisions can have a profound psychological impact on mobility scooter users.

"For some, these experiences deter them from ever venturing out again, cutting off access to their scooter, which serves as a vital lifeline for independence and social connection. This highlights the urgent need for greater protections and awareness to ensure their safety and confidence on our roads."

Many are expecting the Government to launch the first Road Safety Strategy in more than 10 years this year, with former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh saying it would be coming soon.

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There have also been calls to add more guidance to the Highway Code to account for the development in vehicle technology and road changes.

Proposals include more detail regarding charging etiquette for electric vehicle owners and renewed guidance for how drivers should behave around groups of cyclists.