Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes, discussed how pavement parking and street clutter cause issues for people with sight loss when she met the charity Guide Dogs at Conservative Party Conference.
Cars blocking pavements are one of the main barriers preventing people with sight loss from walking the streets safely, and in some cases can force people onto the road.
YouGov polling on behalf of the charity Guide Dogs found nearly three-quarters (72%) of people surveyed said pavement parking is common in their area.
Pavement parking has largely been prohibited on pavements in London since 1974, and the charity is calling for the Government to extend this law across rest of England. They say a clear law is needed where pavement parking is the exception, not the norm, to ensure that everyone can walk their streets safely. Three quarters (74%) of councillors also support Guide Dogs’ call for a new law.
Maria Caulfield MP said:
“I was glad to meet with the team from the charity Guide Dogs at party conference, we discussed important issues around pavement parking and making sure those with Guide Dogs are able to access public transport such as taxis without barriers or discrimination. I fully support their campaign.”
Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Guide Dogs said:
“The message from the public and local councillors is clear; our streets are not safe because of cars blocking pavements.
Parking on pavements is a nuisance for everyone, but potentially dangerous if you are a wheelchair user forced onto the road, pushing a child in a buggy or have sight loss and can’t see traffic coming towards you.”
This daily threat can mean people can’t safely get to work, education or to see friends. This is why we’re calling for a law that would empower local councils to tackle this problem.”