Benidorm tourists face £425 fines as 'increasing complaints' lead to crackdown

Benidorm is a popular holiday hotspot for Brits, with more than 800,000 visiting the Spanish seaside resort last year. But tourists have been warned they risk a £425 (€500) fine as local authorities launch a crackdown on the use of mobility scooters, made popular by the likes of Madge in hit ITV show Benidorm.

There have been 'increasing complaints' about how mobility scooters have been used, with UK sunseekers reporting seeing people speed along the beach at 'nearly 30-40mph'. The issues were said to arise from holidaymakers 'renting them just for fun', with officials keen to see them only used by those with genuine needs.

Lee Cartwright, mobility scooter specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct said there were some simple rules mobility scooter users should follow in Benidorm to avoid getting hit with a £425 fine or seeing the vehicle taken away.

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He said: “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.

"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.”

Mobility scooters in Benidorm - what are the rules?

Don’t use a scooter if you don't need it

Lee said those over the age of 55 were permitted to use mobility scooters, which were designed to assist those with walking difficulties. Those who are younger and have mobility issues are also able to use them. He added: " 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.”

Respect the speed limit

Only people with mobility problems can use the scooter on pavements, and must not go any faster than 4mph, which is around walking pace. On the roads, a 12mph speed limit was also imposed and helmets must be worn at all times. Lee added: "Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel."

Don’t use a scooter while drunk

Riding a scooter while intoxicated is both hazardous and against the law, Lee said. He continued: "The 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.”