‘Dangerous, potholed roads are putting e-scooter riders like me at risk’ | UK | News

An exasperated grandmother claims “dangerous” potholed roads are putting mobility scooter users at risk.

Margaret Pryke, 84, says her scooter has become a “lifeline” for her since she bought it in July – as it is the only way she can get around Ashford, Kent, where she lives.

However, when she is forced to leave the sidewalk because of obstacles or narrow paths, things become “uncomfortable” and even “painful” because of potholes.

Ms Pryke, a former nurse, says she injured her back while riding Ashford’s bumpy roads – and often has to take longer, more uncomfortable routes to avoid damaging her £3,000 scooter.

She is now urging the council to fix the roads, particularly streets where mobility scooter riders are forced off the carriageway.

The grandmother said: “It’s a problem all over Ashford.

“Some paths are very narrow or have brambles or posts in the middle.

“But the roads have huge potholes.

“It’s difficult for people like me who use scooters because they get damaged by potholes.

“I don’t use some roads anymore because of the potholes. They are dangerous.”

Ms Pryke urged the council to fix the potholes because people like her “can’t get around without them.” [their mobility scooters]”.

She said: “The roads need to be rebuilt. Not just for car drivers, but also for scooter riders.

“We don’t ask for these scooters, we use them because we need them. We can’t move without them.

“I’ve been active all my life, but I can’t walk very far anymore and the scooter helps me get by, so I’m not sitting around moping like I used to.”

A street near Mrs Pryke, Newtown Road, has recently reopened after a seven-week closure during which time electricity cables were laid.

But angry residents criticised authorities for failing to repair a single pothole during this period.

A spokesperson for Kent County Council (KCC), which owns and manages public roads across the county, said: “We want to reassure residents that Newtown Road in Ashford is set to undergo junction changes and road resurfacing.

“We are unable to give a date for the start of this work as this is the responsibility of the developer, Quinn Estates.

“In the meantime, KCC is carrying out some minor repairs in the eroded areas.”