Latest news with #MobilitySolutionsDirect
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Benidorm tourists warned they could face £425 fine in new crackdown
Mobility Solutions Direct is warning Benidorm tourists that local authorities are cracking down on who do one thing at the popular holiday spot Brits heading to Benidorm are being warned they could be slapped with a hefty £425 fine amid a crackdown on mobility scooters. Mobility Solutions Direct experts have issued a warning to tourists about the potential fines as local authorities tighten up regulations on scooter usage. The Spanish resort, a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers, saw over 600,000 British visitors in 2024, but now faces new challenges. A Facebook post has alerted visitors that Benidorm police are ensuring mobility scooter users have proper insurance, following last year's reports of tourists racing at "nearly 30-40 miles an hour". Mobility scooter expert Lee Cartwright from Mobility Solutions Direct has given advice on how to avoid the steep fines, reports Bristol Live. "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." 1. Get insured: "With more people making injury claims after scooter-related accidents, having insurance can offer vital protection. If you're involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you could be held personally responsible for covering costs such as compensation, repairs, and medical bills. "In places like Benidorm, for example, the rules have already changed. All scooter hire companies must now provide third-party liability insurance to cover damage to other vehicles, property, or public roads." 2. Avoid using a scooter if not necessary: "People over the age of 55 are permitted to use mobility scooters, or younger if they have mobility issues. "Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties. 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 a fine." 3. Adhere to the speed limit: "Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel. For those with mobility issues using scooters on pavements, the maximum speed is 4 mph, which is about the same as a walking pace. "Class 3 mobility scooters, intended for road use, can go up to 8 mph. In other regions, tourists should not exceed 12 mph and are required to wear a helmet." 4. Mobility scooters are strictly for individual use: "Mobility scooters are intended for use by a single person. It is not permitted to carry another person on your mobility scooter, as doing so could cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to potential injuries for both you and your passenger." 5. Refrain from operating a scooter while under the influence: "A 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." 6. Adhere to the rules governing mobility scooters: "When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning brakes. "The scooter should weigh no more than 150kg without any load, and up to 200kg when carrying essential user equipment like medical supplies. "It should feature front and rear lights along with reflectors, directional indicators capable of functioning as hazard warning signals, an audible horn and a rearview mirror."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Benidorm warning as tourists risk £425 fine in new crackdown
Experts have warned that UK tourists heading for Benidorm face a £425 (€500) fine in a new rule crackdown. Experts at Mobility Solutions Direct are warning Benidorm tourists using mobility scooters that they could be fined as local authorities begin to crack down on who can use them. Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations for Brits, with over 600,000 visitors in 2024. But an alert has been shared via Facebook that Benidorm police are checking that mobility scooter drivers are insured. This follows complaints made last year of UK tourists driving mobility scooters at 'nearly 30-40 miles an hour'. Lee Cartwright, mobility scooter specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct has outlined what mobility scooter drivers should do to avoid getting hit with a £425 fine. READ MORE: Turkey 'highly risky' alert as Foreign Office updates UK advice READ MORE: Spain summer weather forecast could spell bad news for holidays Lee 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.' Get insurance: 'With more people making injury claims after scooter-related accidents, having insurance can offer vital protection. If you're involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you could be held personally responsible for covering costs such as compensation, repairs, and medical bills. In places like Benidorm, for example, the rules have already changed. All scooter hire companies must now provide third-party liability insurance to cover damage to other vehicles, property, or public roads. Don't use a scooter if not needed: 'People over the age of 55 are permitted to use mobility scooters, or younger if they have mobility issues. Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties. 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 a fine.' Respect the speed limit: 'Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel. For those with mobility issues using scooters on pavements, the maximum speed is 4 mph, which is about the same as a walking pace. Class 3 mobility scooters, intended for road use, can go up to 8 mph. In other regions, tourists should not exceed 12 mph and are required to wear a helmet.' Scooters are for single use only: 'Mobility scooters are intended for use by a single person. It is not permitted to carry another person on your mobility scooter, as doing so could cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to potential injuries for both you and your passenger.' Don't use a scooter while drunk: 'A 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.' Follow mobility scooter regulations: 'When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning brakes. The scooter should weigh no more than 150kg without any load, and up to 200kg when carrying essential user equipment like medical supplies. It should feature front and rear lights along with reflectors, directional indicators capable of functioning as hazard warning signals, an audible horn and a rearview mirror.'
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals why you should never cross your legs while flying on a plane - and how to reduce your risk of being ill
Elderly passengers have been warned to avoid one common sitting position on a plane as it could be very risky. Lee Cartwright, elderly care expert from Mobility Solutions Direct, has warned older passengers not to cross their legs on the plane. He says: 'Crossing your legs during a flight might seem harmless, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do for your health while travelling. 'It can lead to back and joint pain, and more seriously, it can restrict blood flow in your legs, increasing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.' Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a 'blood clot forms in a vein', usually a leg. It can be life-threatening if the clot travels to another part of the body. Elderly passengers are particularly at risk from DVT, says Lee. He explains: 'As we age, our circulation tends to slow, muscle strength declines and the valves in our veins may not work as effectively. 'Additionally, other age-related health conditions like diabetes can make blood clots more likely.' How to reduce your risk of DVT while flying Keep moving throughout the flight - Lee recommends getting 'up every hour or so to stretch or walk up and down the aisle'. This can help to keep passengers' legs active. Keep your legs stretched when sitting - 'Rather than sitting with your legs crossed, try stretching them out in front of you with a gentle bend at the knees,' advises Lee. He explains that this will 'keep your blood flowing properly' and 'take some of the strain off your lower back'. Stay well hydrated - Lee recommends drinking lots of water throughout the flight as 'hydration helps your blood flow more easily'. Use compression socks - Lee explains: 'Compression socks or stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which can help with blood circulation and reduce swelling.' Do simple leg movements in your seat - Flexing your feet, rotating your ankles and 'gently lifting your knees every 30 minutes' can lower your risk of DVT, says Lee. Symptoms of DVT Swelling in one leg - Lee says: 'A blood clot, or DVT, often leads to noticeable swelling in one leg, usually around the calf or thigh. The area might feel unusually firm or sore to touch.' Increased cramping - 'This can feel similar to a muscle strain or cramp,' warns Lee. 'It may become more uncomfortable when you're walking or standing. You might also notice the area feels warm or looks a bit red.' Discoloured skin - Lee says: 'The skin over the clot may appear redder or darker than the surrounding area, and it can feel warmer than usual.' Shortness of breath - The expert warns: 'In more serious cases, a clot can move to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This can lead to sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing and it requires urgent medical attention.' It comes after a pilot shared an easy remedy that can ease painful ears for everyone from adults to children, who often suffer more than the grown-ups they're travelling with. eSIM travel company Airalo sought the advice of pilot William Hosie, who explained: 'Cabin pressure changes as you climb or descend in the plane. When the plane is at 35,000 feet, you're breathing air in the cabin as if you're at 6,000 feet. 'The air is thinner and the air pressure is less, which is why some people have problems with toothache, and of course ears.'
