As vision impairment is such a broad disability with different implications for different people, there are a relatively small number of issues on which vision impaired people speak with a united voice. However, one issue on which a unified position can be found is that of pavement parking, particularly when a vehicle is left partially or fully on a pavement with its owner nowhere to be found. In this blog, we will explore why pavement parking is a problem and what the V.I. sector is calling for.

Why is pavement parking a problem?

When vision impaired people are taught how to travel safely, which is known as mobility training, they are encouraged to either walk in the middle of pavements or follow what is referred to as the Inner Shoreline, which could be anything from a wall to a grass verge or hedge. Crucially, the inner shoreline is as far away from the road as possible, which increases safety when walking. So a vehicle parked on the pavement, irrespective if the amount of time it might be there, can be a big problem for a number of reasons.

1. Most importantly, this can result in people needing to walk in to the road to avoid it, which is a major safety risk.
2. Those with some useful vision might not see a vehicle parked on the pavement until it is far too late.
3. Long canes, which can be used by those with little to no useful vision, can pass underneath a vehicle causing people to collide with it head-first. Apart from the obvious safety risks, this can cause a loss of confidence when it comes to independent travel.

What can be done?

In 2019, the Scottish government introduced the Transport (Scotland) Act, which bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, with local authorities having the power to grant certain exemptions, such as to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. If caught, the penalty is a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Whether this is enough of a deterrent remains to be seen. But as the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop said, “the message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal”.

Transport is a devolved matter, meaning it is up to individual governments within the UK to decide whether to legislate or not. However, CrystalEyes shares the view of many within the sight loss sector that legislating would be a significant step forward. The key however is to ensure that there is proper enforcement of any legal powers by local councils.