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Local protesting against IOM Transport has support from MHK

Mon, 10 Feb 2020

A local who staged a protest last week against IOM Transport's prohibition of mobility scooters on buses has said he has support from an MHK.

 

Eric Corkish, who lives in Ramsey, sat in his mobility scooter on Friday in front of a bus due to leave Lord Street Bus Station and refused to move.

 

He was told to move onto the pavement after a policewoman asked him to, which he said he did, and apologised to passengers on the bus he held-up via social media.

 

Minister for Policy and Reform, Chris Thomas, has said he will support Mr Corkish and will ensure the issue is brought into Government discussions by March.

 

IOM Transport has responded to the incident, who stated: 'Our policy is to carry all the passengers that we can safely and legally carry. Buses are designed to carry wheelchairs and prams without the need for special additional restraint and our drivers regularly carry these. Disabled passengers using a powered wheelchair can readily be accommodated because these fit within the dimensions specified in the vehicle’s type approval and can be secured using the standard fittings. 

 

The larger mobility scooters designed for use on pavements or roads cannot be carried because they cannot be safely restrained. Whilst our drivers rarely have to make an emergency stop in a bus, under heavy braking passengers can be thrown suddenly forwards. In the event of an impact, they may then be thrown backwards. An unrestrained mobility scooter poses an unacceptable risk to anyone sitting on it or being carried on the bus.

 

If in future we can buy buses that are fitted with suitable restraints and ramps for mobility scooters we will advise intending passengers of a change in policy.'

 

Mr Corkish spoke to Energy FM about why he felt it was necessary to make his point heard:

 

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Media

• Eric Corkish