Call for pavement parking ban

Cars parked on the pavement on Woodbine Street

Motorists should be banned from parking on pavements because the practice forces vulnerable pedestrians to walk in the road, campaigners have said.

The charity Guide Dogs say blocking the pavement, especially for blind people, is "inconsiderate and dangerous".

James White, Guide Dogs' campaigns manager said: "It can be frightening for anyone who is forced to step into a road because the pavement is blocked by a van, car or other badly parked vehicle.

"Now imagine you have to step into a road where you can't see oncoming traffic.

"We want politicians to act, preventing this form of inconsiderate and dangerous parking."

There is already a ban on parking on footpaths on most London streets.

A poll for the charity suggested seven out of 10 people want restrictions for the rest of the country - and eight out of 10 councillors would back a new law.