Benidorm introduces new rules and regulations which could lead to £425 fines

Tourists in Benidorm could find themselves out of pocket and without their mobility scooters as local authorities enforce new regulations amidst concerns over reckless driving. The Spanish resort, a magnet for British holidaymakers with more than 800,000 UK visitors flocking there last year, is clamping down on the misuse of mobility scooters.

Reports have emerged of mobility scooters hurtling along at "nearly 30-40 miles an hour" by the beachfront, alarming both tourists and residents. Lee Cartwright from Mobility Solutions Direct has offered advice to ensure visitors are not slapped with a hefty £425 fine for flouting the rules in the hotspot favoured by Brits and expatriates alike.

Lee commented: "Benidorm is beloved by UK tourists, drawing millions of British visitors annually. However, the resort is facing issues due to its popularity, particularly with the increasing complaints about mobility scooters."

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He added: "Problems arise from people renting them just for fun. The local council has expressed a desire for these scooters to be used responsibly and only for genuine needs."

Scooter rules in Benidorm:

1. Don’t use a scooter if you don't need it: “People over the age of 55 are permitted to use mobility scooters, or younger if they have mobility issues. Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties. If you can walk safely without one and you don’t have a permit for one, it is best not to ride a mobility scooter to avoid an unnecessary fine.”

2. Respect the speed limit: “Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel. For those with mobility issues using scooters on pavements, the maximum speed is 4 mph, which is about the same as a walking pace. Class 3 mobility scooters, intended for road use, can go up to 8 mph. In other regions, tourists should not exceed 12 mph and are required to wear a helmet.”

3. Scooters are for single use only: “Mobility scooters are intended for use by a single person. It is not permitted to carry another person on your mobility scooter, as doing so could cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to potential injuries for both you and your passenger.”

4. Don’t use a scooter while drunk: “A majority of those using a scooter without permission are young British people who are using the vehicle to go clubbing rather than pay for a taxi. But this results in reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic, driving too closely to others, and failing to be aware of their surroundings. Riding a scooter while intoxicated is both hazardous and against the law, similar to driving a car under the influence.”

5. Follow mobility scooter regulations: “When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning breaks. The scooter should weigh no more than 150kg without any load, and up to 200kg when carrying essential user equipment like medical supplies. It should feature front and rear lights along with reflectors, directional indicators capable of functioning as hazard warning signals, an audible horn and a rearview mirror.”