GUIDE Dog chiefs have taken their campaign to clampdown on pavement parking to Downing Street.
The charity, whose national breeding centre is based near Leamington, where it also has a training centre, is demanding action to protect people with sight issues.
Representatives from Guide Dogs and Living Streets, which promotes walking in the UK, went to Downing Street to hand-in a letter to the Prime Minister, backed by 20 organisations and almost 17,000 signatories, urging the government to outlaw dangerous pavement parking.
The letter, signed by groups representing people with disabilities, older people and a wide-range of road users, challenges the government for repeatedly stalling on the issue since 2015.
The letter stated: “Cars parked on pavements force people into the road to face oncoming traffic, which is particularly dangerous for many, including blind and partially sighted people, parents with pushchairs and young children, wheelchair users and others who use mobility aids. Pedestrians should be able to rely on pavements being clear and safe.”
Guide Dogs campaigns manager Jessica Leigh said urgent action was needed.
She added: “Drivers often park on the pavement without thinking about the impact on others, but can you imagine being forced to walk out into a busy road when you can’t see the traffic coming? A nationwide law would give clarity to drivers and keep people safe. A thousand days is a long time to wait when your safety is at risk.”
