A WORKSHOP for riders of mobility scooters proved popular for Christchurch residents last week.

Following a rise in the number of complaints from residents about the manner some drivers operate their scooters, Christchurch town centre’s safer neighbourhood team and local mobility scooter shop All Mobility in Wick Lane, organised the special event.

The Safe Scoot event, that was held at Priory Hall in Princess Avenue, saw safety advice given to the participants as well as practice in manoeuvring the scooters around an obstacle course.

PC Dave Williams from Christchurch Police said: “The issue was raised through the PACT (Partners and Communities Together) process.

“There were complaints from local residents about the manner in which the scooters are driven.

“This is obviously not all scooter drivers but some people have caused concern amongst people.”

PC Williams said two recent incidents in the past few weeks had given the officers cause to worry.

“During one recent incident, an elderly lady stepped out of a shop and a scooter tipped her right over.

“She suffered a bruised face and cut lip and was quite shaken.”

Although the scooter rider drove off without stopping he was found and despite not being able to remember the incident, has promised to slow down in future.

The second incident involved residents of a sheltered housing complex in Christchurch and took place during a dispute.

Mike Ruddick, owner of All Mobility in Christchurch said: “Raising awareness and teaching people how to ride scooters properly is very important.

“We do see a lot of people misusing scooters.

“Most have a limit of 4mph and can be used on the pavement but there are some that go up to 8mph that are for the road but ridden on the path,” he added.

“I liaise with the community officers quite a lot.”