Council bosses have launched a campaign to educate scooter mobility users after a number of complaints from Lichfield residents about drivers riding roughshod through the streets.

The district council is working with Lichfield’s Disability Partnership Panel to highlight the need for mobility scooter users to follow the Highway Code when using their motorised scooters and wheelchairs on pavements and roads, after a rising amount of concern was expressed.

Councillor Doris English, Lichfield District Councillor and chairman of the Disability Partnership Panel, said: “We have noticed quite an increase in complaints about motorised mobility scooters, which is why we wanted to make sure local users are taking care and following the Highway Code.

“We are also concerned that, because mobility scooter users are not required to complete training or take out insurance before they take to the streets, a serious accident could be waiting to happen locally.

“This is why we wanted to urge any motorised mobility scooter and wheelchair users to take extra care when out and about on local streets, and to consider taking out insurance, as this would cover any possible accidents.”

The Highway Code states that these scooters should not be driven faster than 4mph on pavements and 8mph on the road.

It also says that pedestrians have priority and pavement users should be shown consideration – particularly those with a hearing or visual impairment who may not be aware that a mobility scooter is passing.

If in any doubt, the council is reminding city centre shoppers that they run a Shopmobility service.