A CORONER criticised road safety laws following the death a 90-year-old woman who was knocked down by a pensioner on a mobility scooter.

Lillian Macey died from serious leg injuries when 76-year-old Walter Cousins knocked her down as she walked on the pavement then drove away, an inquest heard.

The crash happened when Mrs Macey, from Essex, was on holiday in Sandown on the Isle of Wight, on 21 July 2009. She died two days later.

Mr Cousins drove away from the accident scene but was later found by police, shopping in a supermarket.

He told police Mrs Macey had walked out in front of him and was not charged because officers could find no suitable law that applied to authorised drivers of the electric scooters, the court heard.

He has since died from cancer.

Isle of Wight coroner John Matthews, recording a verdict of accidental death, said pedestrians needed more protection.

He said he would be writing to Island MP Andrew Turner and the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond.