PATH-BLOCKING PARKERS SHAMED BY POLICE
THEY SHAME OFFENDERS AND MAKE FILM TO HIGHLIGHT PROBLEM
SELFISH parkers have been shamed by police after they were caught parking their cars on pavements.
Officers from Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team went out looking for “dozy parkers” who had left cars parked on kerbs in such a way that they blocked pedestrians’ paths, forcing them to walk into the road - and sadly they were not left disappointed.
Police also took pictures of the cars which were causing an obstruction to pedestrians, which is illegal.
Simply parking on a pavement is not against the law, but causing an obstruction is, police explained.
On the first day of their parking crackdown, officers concentrated on Newhall for a couple of hours, taking walks down Parliament Street, Oversetts Road and some of the surrounding streets.
They also walked down Station Street, Princess Street and surrounding streets.
Three tickets have been issued to the vehicle owners who had completely blocked the pavement.
Around 50 leaflets were placed on other vehicles regarding poor parking, and regarding vehicles being parked dangerously at junctions.
It comes as officers also made a tongue in cheek video, but with a serious message, showing what it is really like for young mums with prams forced to dodge into the road and traffic due to cars parked on pavements.
The video was used on the Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood
Team Facebook page and was made after issues in the Swadlincote area.
The video shows an officer pushing a pram until he finds a car blocking the pavement and as he walks into the road to go around it, he and the pram are almost hit by a passing car.
A police spokesman said while the video was “humorous in its nature, it highlights a very serious problem for many of our community and is something again we’ve had numerous requests to tackle”.
The video shows the officer failing to look as he steps in to the road, but “the fact remains that he shouldn’t have had to walk into the road with a pushchair”, said the spokesman.
He added: “While for many it will be a case of educating and advising at first, we will be keeping track and will be actioning further if required.
“Parking on a pavement is not illegal. However, obstructing it is. If there is no alternative but to park partially on a pavement then you must ensure that there is enough room for a wheelchair, mobility scooter or double buggy to pass easily. At the same time ensure that there is enough room left on the road for all vehicles to pass with ease.”