No To Pavement Parking

Campaigners aims to outlaw bad parking across the UK.

18:14 25 June 2015

Drivers who are parking on pavements are being shamed online in a campaign by Guide Dogs, which said that badly parked cars make villages, towns, and cities across the UK a no-gone zone for blind people. 

 

Blocked pavements force blind and partially blind people to step out in the road to pass, putting them in a dangerous position as they are unable to determine if there is incoming traffic. 

 

The charity, which has already collected and posted 1,000 pictures of badly parked cars online, is now calling on MPs to make irresponsible parking illegal. 

 

James White, campaigns manager for Guide Dogs, said: "Parking on pavements is blighting Britain's streets. It puts all pedestrians in danger, but particularly those living with sight loss.

 

"It is terrifying for someone who cannot see oncoming traffic to have to take the risk of stepping out into a road just because someone has decided to park on the footway.

 

"We hope this year will see this dangerous exercise outlawed once and for all, and call on all MPs to back a change in the law."

 

The Private Member's Bill has been put forward by Conservative MP Simon Hoare.

 

He said: "I'm passionate about pedestrian safety and it's undeniable that vehicles parked on pavements can lead to unnecessarily dangerous situations.

 

"This new law would help not only those people living with sight loss but also parents with buggies and people living with a disability. 

 

"I hope that my fellow MPs will also see the sense in this argument and vote to outlaw such irresponsible parking."