Ideal Queen’s Speech: a Bill to strengthen pavement parking law
Guide Dogs calls for the Government to introduce a Bill to protect pedestrians from ‘problematic’ pavement parking
“My Government will introduce a Bill to make provision for the safety, convenience and free movement on pavements of disabled people, older people, people accompanying young children, and other pavement users; to clarify, strengthen and simplify the law relating to parking on pavements in England and Wales; and for connected purposes...”
The hugely positive impact of a guide dog partnership can be undone if a person encounters inconsiderate parking.
In the words of guide dog owner Simon,
“There were so many cars parked on pavements that I returned home distraught. I considered giving up my guide dog because it was so difficult to get past the cars, and I felt that my independence had been taken away again"
The issue of pavement parking is particularly problematic for people with sight loss, but it also affects all pedestrians. Guide Dogs are working together with the Local Government Association, Living Streets, British Parking Association RNIB, National Association of Local Councils, Sense, Deafblind UK, Age UK and many other organisations in calling for a nationwide law on pavement parking with local powers for exemptions.
This would help encourage disabled people to get to work and live independent lives and is a measure supported by 78% of local councillors, as well as 69% of the public.
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To find out more about the issue please get in touch with Guide Dogs’ Senior Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Keen by telephone on 01189838388 or email jennifer.keen@guidedogs.org.uk
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