Mobility scooter rider challenges rail firm's ban

A mobility scooter user has questioned a transport group's claim that a byelaw has meant that the vehicles have never been allowed to be carried on its tram network.

Dave Corden claims he has proof that Metrolink, which provides rail services in Greater Manchester, allowed the movement of scooters on trams back in 2002, the Messenger reports.

The 68-year-old, who is petitioning to have the ban revoked, says he has found a travel pass that the company gave out to staff at Trafford Shopmobility, allowing them to move scooters between its Sale and Altrincham shops.

However, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has said that for safety reasons a byelaw has meant mobility scooters have never been allowed on the Metrolink.

"The pass is proof that mobility scooters haven't always been banned and we are angry because we think it is a byelaw they are making up themselves," Graham McIsaacs, chairman and co-director of Trafford Shopmobility, told the newspaper.

A spokesperson for Metrolink told the newspaper that while the byelaw has existed since 1992, there have been times when it has not been effectively enforced.

The spokesperson added: "Recently, it has become clear to us that there is a safety risk associated with carrying mobility scooters on trams."

Earlier this month a stand-up comedian launched a campaign to allow mobility scooters to be carried on public transport in Scotland.