'Lack of law' over Isle of Wight scooter death

  • Published

A coroner has criticised road safety laws after a woman died when she was knocked down on a pavement by a mobility scooter.

Lillian Macey, 90, from Essex died from leg injuries after the crash in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight, on 21 July 2009.

Driver Walter Cousins, who was said to drive aggressively, has since died.

Coroner John Matthews, recording a verdict of accidental death, said pedestrians needed more protection.

The Department for Transport said mobility scooters were not covered under the Road Traffic Act, which only applies to motor vehicles.

'Lack in law'

Mr Cousins was not charged over the incident. He had told police Mrs Macey had stepped out in front of him.

Mr Matthews said after the hearing at Newport Coroners Office: "Clearly there is a very serious lack in the law.

"I intend to bring it to the notice of our local MP and the secretary of state for transport, so that some control may be brought in for the protection of people on the pavements."

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