MP calls on drivers to stay on the road
Wishaw MP Marion Fellows is backing a bid to stop unsafe pavement parking after a meeting with Guide Dogs Scotland.
A survey by the charity showed that 97 per cent of blind or partially sighted people encounter problems with street obstructions, and 90 per cent of those had experienced trouble with a pavement or parked car.
The MP for Motherwell and Wishaw heard of the difficulties that councils face in trying to tackle the issue with their current powers, and why Guide Dogs is calling for a clear law on pavement parking.
Mrs Fellows said: “It is important that our communities are communities for all. This must include people who require the use of guide dogs.
“For those of us who do not require a guide dog, we can only imagine how difficult it must be for people to go about their dayto-day lives.
“The Scottish Government’s proposed nationwide ban on pavement parking will replace the need for each council to introduce restrictions via traffic regulation orders and give local authorities new powers to tackle this problem.
“MSPS have shown widespread support for the ban and I am delighted that it will become a reality.”
Mrs Fellows is supporting Guide Dogs’ campaign to make pavement parking an offence, except in areas where local authorities grant specific exemptions.
This would give councils real power to properly tackle this problem.
Guide Dogs Sc o t l a n d engagement manager Niall Foley said: “Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but can be a real danger for people with sight loss, potentially forcing them out into the roads to get by. The powers that councils and police have at the moment aren’t sufficient to tackle the problem, and that’s why we are supporting the Scottish Government’s proposals for a clear law where drivers cannot park on the pavement unless they’re in a designated area.” It’s easy to get your news into print