Nick Thomas-Symonds, Member of Parliament for Torfaen, learned about the problems pavement parking and street clutter cause for people with sight loss when they met the charity Guide Dogs at Labour party conference.

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.

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, who is supporting Guide Dogs’ campaign, said:

“I was pleased to meet with Guide Dogs at the Labour Party Conference to hear about the concerns they have over pavement parking and street clutter, and the issues this causes for people with sight loss.

I welcome the Welsh Government’s intention to give local councils extra power to crack down on obstructions on the pavement.”

Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Guide Dogs said:

“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.”