Barmy Butlins bosses have banned bumper car bumping at three resorts over health and safety concerns.
The bumpjoy edict requires that cars be driven sedately around a course in one direction, following each other and overtaking only when there is sufficient room to do so. Visitors who flout a strict "no bump" rule will receive a driving ban. Butlins confirmed the rules on their "Experience Dodgems" at three seaside resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.
One holidaymaker described the fairground ride at Bognor Regis as like "trundling round an exitless roundabout". He said, "I'm not convinced the dangers were great, given that the cars were equipped with huge rubber bumpers and seatbelts. There were no airbags for the drivers, but it can be only a matter of time before there are."
Many people thought the "no bumping" signs were a joke. However, Bognor Regis venue director, Jeremy Pardey, revealed he could not allow the cars to bump for health and safety reasons. He said, "The point of our dodgems is to dodge people and not run into them." He stated there had been injuries in the past including broken bones and that the rules were "pretty vigilant" to avoid anyone being hurt, although customers are not asked to wear crash helmets.
Health and safety minister, Chris Grayling, commented, "There is nothing in health and safety law to ban bumping in dodgems. The company has absolutely no obligation to take this controversial decision. "
It is thought the company is concerned about potential legal claims for whiplash or other injuries suffered during a bump. Whilst anecdotal evidence suggests people have attempted to claim compensation for injuries sustained while in a bumper car, there has not been a single successful case. Lawyers believe it would be very difficult to prove fault on the part of a driver and that the level of impact would simply be too low for a compensation claim.
Butlins has fallen in line with many fairgrounds which display "no bumping" signs, though few go as far as banning those who break the rules.
The document, "Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks: Guidance of Safe Practice HSG 175", details all the appropriate measures that need to be taken by those involved in the industry to work safely and comply with the law.
