§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to amend section 20 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 to allow a mechanically propelled invalid tricycle which is capable in other circumstances of travelling at more than eight miles per hour to be used on public footways at a speed of less than eight miles per hour. [142201]
§ Mr. McNulty"Invalid Carriages" as they are known in law, provide invaluable independent mobility to many disabled and older people. The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 permits the use of these vehicles on footways and their maximum permitted speeds are set out in the Use of invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988. These vehicles must not travel faster than 4mph on footways and must be incapable of exceeding 8mph on the level under its own power on carriageways. These speed limits are fixed with the safety both of the users of these vehicles and of other road users and pedestrians in mind.
We are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the legislation beginning with a research study to establish basic facts about current usage and to canvass views of users and other key stakeholders. Subject to the outcome of this investigation we will be considering what changes may need to be made to current legislation governing the construction and use of these vehicles on the highway. The question of speed limits will be included in this review.
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