A new rule covering the use of mobility scooters on the Tyne and Wear Metro has been introduced by Nexus following two accidents in the last year. It requires scooter users to travel at all times with a companion able to guide and assist them safely when getting on and off the trains.

This rule does not apply to electric wheelchairs, for which existing regulations and restrictions will continue to apply.

Nexus is the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. Bernard Garner, Director General, said: “We’re changing the rule on using mobility scooters on Metro for the safety and comfort of all passengers, including scooter users themselves. It’s not permanent but will stay in place until a safe alternative can be found.”

The change in rules follows two recent incidents in which mobility scooters have struck the opposite doors after boarding Metro trains, with the users falling through on to the track and needing hospital treatment as a result. The second of these occurred last week at Howden station and is now being investigated by Nexus and the Railway Inspectorate.

Metro train doors are designed to withstand a force of one metric tonne before opening outwards, but these incidents have shown that mobility scooters are capable of applying a force in excess of that on impact.

A reader of Mobility Today’s web magazine said: “I use my mobility scooter on the Tyne and Wear Metro operated by Nexus and access for scooter and wheelchair users in excellent. But this knee jerk reaction will cause myself and others - who regard ourselves as competent and are insured - serious inconvenience.”

Nexus has confirmed that companions can travel free with mobility scooter users who have a Gold Card.