Guide Dogs charity launches campaign against drivers parking on pavements and forcing blind and partially sighted walkers into the road

•  Charity said no progress had been made since a 2020 government consultation

A charity which supports people with sight loss has started a petition which calls on the goverment to crack down on pavement parking.

Guide Dogs, based in Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwickshire, said vehicles obstructing footpaths could cause huge difficulties for people with a vision impairment as they’re forced to walk in the road. 

For those who use guide dogs often their only option is to step into busy roads as they move around parked cars – this puts them at risk.

Clare Williams, who owns guide dog Quita, told the BBC pavement parking makes simple tasks an ‘obstacle course’.

The Department for Transport launched a consultation in 2020, but the chairty said no progress had been made since. A government spokesperson said a response to the consultation would be published in due course.

Clare Williams, who owns guide dog Quita, said pavement parking makes simple tasks an ‘obstacle course’

A chairty which supports people with sight loss has started a petition which calls on the goverment to crack down on pavement parking

Ms Williams, from Smethwick, said: ‘Pavement parking is not just a nuisance, it’s dangerous for all pedestrians but especially those of us with visual impairments.

‘In my experience, simple tasks like going shopping can turn into a scary obstacle course as my guide dog helps me to negotiate cars parked on the pavement meaning we have to walk in the road until we have passed the car.

Ms Williams added that she takes her own safety ‘very seriously’ and does not want to have to walk in the road. 

Eleanor Briggs, from Guide Dogs, said cars blocking the way undermines pedestrians with vision impairments’ confidence to live independently. 

‘This daily threat can mean people can’t safely get to work, education or to see friends.

‘We welcomed the government’s recognition of the problem, but now is the time to make good on their promise of action and give local councils the power to tackle problem pavement parking in their areas,’ she added.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said ‘Everyone should be able to navigate their streets without obstacle, and we continue to work with charities to keep pavements clear.’

They added that local authorities do have powers to prohibit pavement parking.

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