Dr Neil Hudson MP, the only Veterinary Surgeon in the House of Commons, lent his expert support to Guide Dogs newest campaign to overcome the challenges to those with sight loss posed by pavement parking and street clutter.
At Conservative Party Conference, Dr Hudson learned that 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.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
"Guide Dogs is an incredible charity giving people with sight loss the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the fullest. I've been happy to support their work for many years now and always relish meeting the team to work out how we can work together to improve the wellbeing of their users and society at large. Thank you must go to the team for all the important work they do."
Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Guide Dogs added:
“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.”
