A NEW Highway Code has been produced for users of mobility scooters in Herefordshire.

The guide, which has been put together by Herefordshire Council, uses cartoons to drive home the message about their safe use in the county.

It is written both to protect people using the scooters and other road users and pedestrians.

Ann Mann, road safety officer for the council, said: “Any vehicle, whether it is a car, HGV, bicycle, mobility scooter or motorcycle, if not used safely and with consideration, could cause considerable damage to the user or other people.

“The booklet contains plenty of useful information in a fun style,” she added.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “The booklet has been produced to protect the safety of people who use mobility scooters and the safety of other road users and pedestrians. We are responsible for our own and other people’s safety.”

The advice contained in the booklet includes: If you ride a scooter you must follow the Highway Code regardless of whether you ride on the pavement or on the road.

If you’re using a scooter for the first time it is a good idea to go on a training course.

Make sure you know what all the switches and levers do before you drive.

Although you don’t have to be insured by law, it’s a good idea to have at least third-party cover.

The most direct route will not always be the best one. Steep hills and high kerbs may make them impossible.

Make sure loose fitting clothes are tucked away so they can't catch the wheels.

Don’t carry or lead a pet while you’re on your scooter or overload it with shopping.

Don’t have anything hanging from the handlebars as this will make it more difficult to control the scooter.

Make sure you get a scooter appropriate for your needs. This could mean getting advice from an occupational therapist or a reputable dealer.

Ensure the scooter is properly maintained by having it thoroughly checked. The manufacturers guidebook will tell you how often to do this.

Keep the battery fully charged and get to know how far your scooter can go before it needs to be recharged.

Do not use your scooter if you have been drinking alcohol.

Herefordshire Council has worked with TPG Disabled Aids, Age Concern, Shop-mobility, Community Vol-untary Action and Hereford-shire Centre for Independent Living to make sure that copies are widely available.

The booklet will be available from the above organisations and the Info Shops in Herefordshire Council centres.