News / Bristol
Call for Bristol to ban pavement parking
Parking on pavements poses a real danger to the most vulnerable groups in Bristol, say campaigners who are calling on drivers to curb the habit.
The city has been named as one of the top ten worst offenders in the country for the number of vehicles blocking its public walkways and a petition has been launched to raise awareness of the issue and lobby for a complete city-wide ban on the practise.
Charlie Bolton says the danger to life is obvious
is needed now More than ever
Green councillor Charlie Bolton has highlighted the concerns raised and called on mayor Marvin Rees and fellow councillors to take action.
“For those with children, vulnerable groups, or those with disabilities, pavement parking can represent a real threat,” says Bolton.
“When a parent with a pushchair and toddler is forced out into the road by a car blocking the pavement the danger to life is obvious.
“Pavement parking creates a hostile environment for those with disabilities – wheelchair users can get blocked in, unable to go around or past parked cars. Those with sight issues might hurt themselves walking into parked vehicles, or be forced to walk in the road with oncoming traffic.”
He is urging councillors to support the petition launched by Bristol Walking Alliance which has received more than 350 signatures to date and calls on Rees to use traffic regulation orders to impose a city-wide ban until the necessary national legislation comes into existence.
The petition calls for a ban on pavement parking
Pavement parking is already banned in London and campaigners say a similar law in Bristol would not only help enhance social inclusion, but prevent damage to pavements and improve public health.
The alliance represents many disability, parent and neighbourhood groups and argues that, for many of these people, pavements are little better than obstacle courses.
“It is not uncommon for people in wheelchairs or with poor eyesight to find it difficult to reach shops, friends and other destinations,” states the petition.
“Often, uncertain about whether or not their route will be blocked, such people stay within their home with a danger of becoming socially isolated.”
The charity Guide Dogs is tackling the issue on a national level and is calling on the Government to make pavement parking illegal across the country.
Read more: Marvin promises to freeze parking charges
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