Spondon mother Caren Jephson's campaign on mobility scooter safety arrives in Downing Street

A SPONDON mother who collected more than 3,000 signatures calling for tighter regulations on the use of mobility scooters has delivered the petition to Downing Street.

Caren Jephson also handed in letters and e-mails from people injured by the vehicles.

The 45-year-old began campaigning after her nine-year-old son, Isaac, was hit by a scooter being driven by an elderly man along Babington Lane, Derby, which then failed to stop.

Mrs Jephson said Isaac was hit with enough force to send him flying into a shop window and was lucky to escape with bruises to his legs.

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Her campaign has attracted attention from the national media – including the BBC's One Show.

Mrs Jephson was joined in Downing Street by Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham, who is backing her efforts.

Mrs Jephson said: "I went to Downing Street to hand over the letters and e-mails, as well as newspaper articles about people who have sustained serious injuries, such as breaks.

"Unfortunately, deaths have also happened.

"I wanted to let David Cameron know the importance of my campaign and just how many injuries there have been.

"In Derby alone, there have been many. I should hopefully get a reply from Mr Cameron soon."

It was the first time Mrs Jephson had been to Downing Street and she said it was a great experience.

She said: "I was told I was very lucky to be allowed to knock on the door.

"Normally you have to hand over whatever it is you have to the police at the bottom of Downing Street. Pauline's secretary fixed it so I could walk up to the door and I was also shown around Westminster.

"I'm really pleased. Pauline's been terrific. She knows how hard campaigning can be and she is really backing me.

"A campaign can only reach Parliament if backed by an MP, so I'm really pleased Pauline is supporting me."

Mrs Jephson wants to see a proficiency test for scooter users introduced and for driver identification to be carried on the vehicles.

The issue is one into which the Government has been looking for several years.

A consultation in 2010 asked people if they would support measures such as mandatory training and eye tests for users.

However, no changes to the law have been introduced.

To sign an electronic version of the petition, go to http://epetitions.direct.gov. uk/petitions/44427.