Guide dog Pebble helps officers deliver safe parking message

Officers in Stafford have joined forces with sight-loss charity Guide Dogs to remind drivers that pavements are for people.

Parking on the pavement can cause serious problems for those who are visually impaired, people with prams, wheelchair or mobility scooter users, as well as children and the elderly.

We recently filmed in the town with Guide Dogs’ Regional Policy and Campaigns Manager, Jessica Luke, and her guide dog Pebble, to help us encourage drivers to think about access for vulnerable pedestrians when they park.

Jessica, who lives in Stafford, said: “Pavement parking is a real issue for us. When a vehicle is parked on a pavement Pebble and I have to walk into the road, placing us into the path of traffic that I can’t see. We’re also less visible to drivers, as we have to step into the road from behind a parked car.

“It’s not only dangerous, but cars blocking pavements in this way can undermine the confidence of people with a vision impairment meaning they can sadly be discouraged from getting out and about independently.”

Police community support officer (PCSO), Lisa Powell, from Stafford local policing unit (LPT), said: “Pavement parking is an issue across Stafford, as well as other villages, towns and cities in Staffordshire, so it is important we work with partners and organisations, such as Guide Dogs, to help motorists understand how they can help reduce the potential for accidents and injury.

"While we understand that parking can sometimes be difficult, we would ask that drivers please be mindful of where they leave their vehicle. Officers on foot in the town are alive to the issue and will offer advice and take action where necessary.”

Enforcement action for pavement parking can vary from location to location across the UK but, even if not specifically prohibited, it could lead to an offence of obstruction being committed. This could result in a fixed-penalty-notice (FPN) of £50 or more.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/PbwDHDZ-Lkc?si=EGiZj7Ke1O5aTPCh

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council said: “While pavement parking obstructions are a matter for the police, we would always ask people to park responsibly and not to block footpaths. 

“Blocking pavements and crossings can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians, especially for the elderly and for disabled people who may be forced on to the road to get by.

“It’s really important that we can all get around our towns and villages safely and responsible parking can help to achieve this. It’s great that Jessica and Pebble are helping to raise awareness of the issue.”