Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert gives British senior citizens in Benidorm driving tips after they were criticised by the local council as the most ill-behaved mobility scooter users
British tourists are officially the worst mobility scooter drivers in Benidorm.
That’s according to the Spanish holiday resort council, which told the owner of Butterfield Mobility Scooter in Benidorm, Ben Redrup, and travel experts from On the Beach that Britons are the most likely to ride their scooters dangerously.
According to a survey of 2,000 tourists by On the Beach, 81 percent of Britons believe that mobility scooter drivers should take driving lessons before trying them out.
Meet former Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert, who wants to give his driving tips to Benidorm’s reckless scooter tourists.
Johnny says: ‘When I won Les Mans in 1991 and the British Grand Prix in 1995, I never expected to be teaching Brits to drive a mobility scooter in Benidorm.
British tourists are the worst mobility scooter drivers Benidorm has ever seen, according to the city council
Former Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert has given his driving tips to Benidorm’s reckless scooter tourists
‘However, it is becoming a serious problem and you need someone with the right status to help. Now that I am officially 60, I am the perfect candidate to give some safety tips to older Brits to help them shake off their bad driving reputation!’
According to Visit Benidorm, Benidorm welcomed almost three million visitors in 2023. Research by On the Beach shows that around 60 percent of them end up renting a mobility scooter.
Ben Redrup says: ‘Unfortunately, the British are by far the biggest offenders when it comes to dangerous driving in Benidorm when it comes to mobility scooters.
Johnny has come to the rescue because more than 80 percent of Britons believe tourists should take lessons before getting behind the wheel of a scooter
‘I’m British so it’s horrible to see, but I certainly have less respect for others on the street than people of other nationalities, when they should be used responsibly and only for genuine purposes.
‘Just this week I have witnessed careless and reckless driving by Britons, which is why I am supporting On the Beach’s campaign to make mobility scooter drivers more aware of the safety of their scooters.’
Johnny’s tips include: keep to the speed limit for scooters, stay on the sidewalk, and never use your phone while riding a scooter.
He also advises not to drive diagonally into a curb – ‘this is the quickest way to end up with your scooter on its side’ (scroll down for more tips).
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, said: ‘We’ve heard from Benidorm Council that Britons are the worst mobility scooter drivers and they all need driving lessons.
‘Who better to hop on the back of one of them and give OAP drivers some pointers than a British F1 driver? We’re also giving over-55s in Benidorm the chance to test their new skills with free mobility scooter hire, so hopefully they’ll take Johnny’s advice to heart!’
Starting today, July 8th, On the Beach is offering eligible customers (over 55s or those with mobility issues) free scooter hire in Benidorm for the next two weeks. To find out how to sign up and see all of Johnny’s Mobility Scooter tips, visit www.onthebeach.co.uk/free-mobility-scooter-hire.
