MHK responds negatively to man who held mobility scooter protest

Thu, 13 Feb 2020

An MHK has responded negatively to a man who held a protest last week attempting to allow mobility scooters on the Island's buses.

 

Jason Moorhouse MHK for Arbory, Castletown and Malew replied to Eric Corkish by email about his plight to enable mobility scooters to be permitted on public transport.

 

In his email to Mr Corkish, Mr Moorhouse stated: 'As Political Member for Transport, I had direct contact with you for the first time on Friday 7th February 2020 and I had planned to phone you back. 

 

'I have been made fully aware of the issue you have raised and I can confirm these have been discussed at length with Ministers and Officers – The issues of access and equality have been discussed at the highest level.

 

'You are clearly aware of the nature of ongoing discussions and how that attempts were being made to resolve this challenging situation.

 

'Following your actions on Friday, I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to contact you at this point.

 

'To take the actions you did on a busy Douglas street raises concerns about your regard for the safety and wellbeing of other people. I hope that you have had the opportunity to consider the impact on Bus vannin passengers and employees; the Emergency Services and innocent passers-by whose lives you affected and potentially placed in danger.'

 

Mr Moorhouse has since stated: 'The current decision is based on specific safety and legal concerns.  The issues of access and equality have been discussed and continue to be discussed at length with Ministers and Officers.

'On Tuesday Minister Harmer will update Tynwald on the Department's policy in respect of individuals who require the use of a mobility scooter on public transport.'

 

Energy FM spoke to Mr Corkish about the recent Equality Act brought into force not recognising mobility scooters on buses:

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Media

• Eric Corkish - Jason Moorhouse Response