More Vigilance from Motorists Required Warn Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs for the Blind have joined forces with the Cleveland police in asking motorists to be more considerate when parking their cars. More and more people are blocking footpaths in the area, causing the disabled and those with eye sight difficulties onto the road to try and continue their journeys.
Pavement blocking is becoming more of an issue in the area, and let’s face facts, I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of it at some time or other. By parking on the curb, we are creating major difficulties for all pedestrian traffic, including the elderly, people with prams, and those that are blind and partially sighted.
Guide Dogs for the Blind are a member of the Cleveland Police Disability Support Network, who work hard to raise awareness on these parking issues, with the message being sent load and clear –
Think Before You Park
Cleveland Police Chief Constable, Jacqui Cheer, said –
Some drivers have a completely different mindset when behind the wheel of a car. They would be considerate enough to hold a door open for a vulnerable or disabled person but think nothing of parking across a pavement and forcing them to walk on a busy road. Issues such as this need to be addressed by educating drivers about these dangers, and staff from the Disability Support Network are doing an excellent job. While there are laws in place around parking issues the onus must be on drivers to not obstruct footpaths in the first place and the key to this is raising awareness of the problem.
Guide Dogs for the Blind recently commissioned a YouGov poll that showed that of UK drivers –
- 54% Admit to parking on the pavement
- 48% Hadn’t even thought of the risk to others
These amazingly high percentages simply back up the need for this offence to be taken more seriously for the risk it poses to all pedestrians. People with guide dogs should be able to navigate the streets without someone’s a vehicle in the way, and I for one will certainly be paying more attention to how I park.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger, said –
Obstructing the footpath is not only selfish but extremely irresponsible. Drivers should put themselves in the shoes of vulnerable people who are forced to spend a considerable length of time trying to negotiate how to continue on their journey, fearful for their safety. I am pleased to be able to assist the DSN with their campaign and spread the message to these selfish drivers.
Here’s hoping that these astounding figures will see more drivers be more careful how they park, particularly for those living in streets with terraced housing where space is tight. It only takes a second to ensure we are parked correctly, and taking up half the pavement could cause real danger to pedestrians, particularly those with a guide dog.
If you would like to help provide much needed funds for guide dogs for the blind, why not sponsor a puppy though our dedicated page? This amazing initiative offers you the chance to help a guide dog puppy in their training to become a fully fledged human helper, providing the eyes for those most in need across the UK.