Pavement parking

campaign

Guide Dogs, the UK’s leading charity for individuals with sight loss, is urging the Government to take decisive action against hazardous pavement parking, which poses significant challenges to people with vision impairments.

Blocked footpaths and pathways create major obstacles for those with vision impairments, who often struggle to determine if they can safely navigate past a parked vehicle. In such cases, their only option is to step into oncoming traffic, a perilous choice that endangers their safety.

Julie Pilsworth, 45, from Grimsby, who relies on her guide dog Maeve and a mobility chair, faces daily difficulties due to pavement parking. She emphasized, “Pavement parking puts people in danger every day, especially those with disabilities and visual impairments. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, or worse, killed.”

Julie’s sentiment is shared by others with vision impairments and disabilities who find it frustrating to be denied access to the quickest and safest routes due to pavement parking.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Guide Dogs revealed that 85% of respondents recognize the adverse impact of pavement parking on the safety of pedestrians with vision impairments. Approximately 72% reported that pavement parking is a common issue in their locality.

While the Government solicited public input on potential solutions to address pavement parking in 2020, receiving over 15,000 responses, including input from Guide Dogs, no substantial progress has been made. Consequently, the charity is urging the Government to establish national restrictions on pavement parking, creating a legal framework where pavement parking is the exception rather than the norm, ensuring that everyone can safely use their streets.

● To support the campaign to legislate against pavement parking or to learn more, please sign the petition at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/642947

LUNAR CELEBRATES UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

At Writtle University College’s 2023 graduation ceremony in Chelmsford Cathedral, Lunar, a medical alert and autism assistance dog, received a special certificate. Accompanied by her owner, Theo O’Donnell, Lunar donned a miniature graduation gown and walked across the stage to applause. She was awarded a certificate and a pet-friendly treat.

Lunar’s recognition stems from her invaluable contribution to the Writtle Pet Beh