I WOULD like to take the opportunity to clarify the EU's position on motorised scooters used by disabled people.

My office was inundated with letters and messages from constituents worried that the EU was planning to introduce a Directive that would cause this type of scooter to become illegal.

Consequently, I contacted Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner with responsibility for type-approval of motor vehicles, requesting clarification of the matter and have been informed that: "Vehicles intended for use by the physically handicapped are not in the scope of the Directive and therefore do not have to be type approved to be put on the market.

"Moreover, I am not aware of any EU legislation that would cause scooters for disabled people to become illegal."

I hope that this information goes some way towards allaying readers' concerns.

SIR ROBERT ATKINS, MEP.