Virendra Sharma backs guide dogs campaign

A campaign to stop cars parking on pavements has been backed by the Ealing Southall MP, Virendra Sharma.

The MP attended the Guide Dogs’ event at the Houses of Parliament on the 10th of June and was awarded a star on the pavement parking 'Walk of Fame' for his support.

The event, hosted by Lord Holmes of Richmond, highlighted the problems faced daily by guide dog owners who are being forced to walk into the road to avoid cars blocking their path.  MPs heard from one guide dog owner who had even considered giving up his guide dog because of the constant obstructions he faced when out and about.

Pavement parking is already an offence in London, but the rules in the rest of the country are complex and patchy, leaving drivers uncertain of where they can and cannot park.  Guide Dogs is calling for the introduction of comprehensive laws across the UK, which will outlaw pavement parking, but allow local councils to grant an exemption in areas where pavement parking is unavoidable.

Virendra Sharma MP said “It is very important to ensure that those less able are protected when walking in what is meant to be a safe space. Making the less sighted feel welcomed in society is very important and stopping pavement parking would be a good step.”

James White, Campaigns Manager for Guide Dogs, said: "Cars parked on pavements blight the lives of people living with sight loss and other vulnerable road users including wheelchair users and parents with buggies or prams.

"Imagine how frightening it must be to step out into a busy road when you can't see on-coming traffic, or you have your young child with you. We want to stop people from being forced into the road and we call on all parties to support a new law on pavement parking."

16th June 2015