Bristol Walking Alliance has launched a petition to ban parking on pavements in Bristol.
This will give residents of Bristol the same benefits as those living in London where legislation already bans pavement parking.
Background information
Bristol Walking Alliance includes over 20 organisations. Several of these represent people with disabilities. Others are neighbourhood or parent groups. These are among those most disadvantaged by pavements that are little better than obstacle courses. It is not uncommon for people in wheelchairs or with poor eyesight to find it difficult to reach shops, friends and other destinations. Often, uncertain about whether or not their route will be blocked, such people stay within their home with a danger of becoming socially isolated. Of course, pavements are designed to take human weights, not lorries or cars. Damaged pavements become trip hazards for us all and need more frequent repair at public expense. Legislation equivalent to that in London will assume that pavement parking is banned, but it may still be allowed in special circumstances with approval of the local authority.
Useful further information may be found at www.bristolwalkingalliance.org.uk and www.livingstreets.org.uk