MOBILITY scooter riders are to be encouraged to take a test in the wake of the death of an elderly woman following an incident in Morrisons, in Taunton.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said he plans to bring in a voluntary scheme to assist people selling mobility scooters to assess whether their customers are safe to use them.

His intervention comes after the senior coroner for Somerset, Samantha Marsh, drew his attention to the case of Natalie Ann Young, 92, who was knocked over by a scooter as she queued to pay for her shopping in Morrisons, in Dellers Wharf.

Mrs Young, of Pegasus Court, who was described by Mrs Marsh at an inquest in Taunton as "very active and spritely" before the incident, died five weeks later in April last year.

The scooter rider has not been identified, although as the law stands she did not appear to have committed a criminal offence.

As a result, Mrs Marsh said in a report that she felt "there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken".

She added: "I am concerned that the lack of regulation around mobility scooters will continue to result in further deaths, especially when there continues to be no regulation around those who are deemed fit to operate and use them."

In response, Mr Harper said: "All road users have a responsibility to themselves and others to behave in a safe and appropriate manner and this includes mobility vehicle users who ride on the pavement or in pedestrianised areas.

"Mobility vehicle users are encouraged to have an assessment with a dealer or supplier before acquiring a vehicle and to take training in their use."

Neil Greg, director of the charity I Am Roadsmart, welcomed the "great first step" announced by Mr Harper.

Speaking to the BBC, he added that incidents such as the one in Morrisons are "rare", although they are on the increase.

Mr Greg said: "I think that is a great first step.

"The trouble is you can buy them (mobility scooters) on the internet. There are no real checks.

"This is just training for those selling them, not those using them, and that would be the best step in our view."

READ MORE: Inquest into the death of Natalie Ann Young.