The Guide Dogs charity has started a petition calling on the Government to crack down on pavement parking.
The organisation, which supports people with sight loss, said vehicles obstructing footpaths could cause those with vision impairments huge difficulties when they are forced to walk in the road.
For those who use guide dogs often their only option is to step into busy roads as they move around parked cars – directly into the path of traffic.
Clare Williams, who owns guide dog Quita, told the BBC pavement parking makes simple tasks an ‘obstacle course’.
The Department for Transport launched a consultation in 2020 but the charity said no progress had been made since. The Government said a response would be published in due course.
Julie Pilsworth (pictured), 45, said pavement parking is a daily difficulty for her
Clare Williams, who owns guide dog Quita, said pavement parking makes simple tasks an ‘obstacle course’
Ms Williams, from Smethwick, said: ‘Pavement parking is not just a nuisance, it’s dangerous for all pedestrians but especially those of us with visual impairments.
‘In my experience, simple tasks like going shopping can turn into a scary obstacle course as my guide dog helps me to negotiate cars parked on the pavement meaning we have to walk in the road until we have passed the car.
Ms Williams added that she takes her own safety ‘very seriously’ and does not want to have to walk in the road.
Pavement parking is a daily difficulty for Julie Pilsworth, 45, from Grimsby, and her guide dog Maeve. She said her mobility chair makes it even harder to get around cars blocking the pavement.
She said: ‘Pavement parking puts people in danger every day, especially those with disabilities and visual impairments. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, or worse, killed.’
Ms Pilworth added: ‘The pavements should be clear and safe for everyone to use, regardless of whether you have a disability.
‘For me, and others with a vision impairment and disability, it’s frustrating not to be able to use the quickest, safest routes available. Pavement parking needs to be stopped and the Government must take action before it’s too late.’
Eleanor Briggs, from Guide Dogs, which is based in Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwickshire, said cars blocking the way undermines pedestrians with vision impairments’ confidence to live independently.
Julie Pilsworth (pictured) said it’s frustrating not to be able to use the quickest, safest routes available
‘This daily threat can mean people can’t safely get to work, education or to see friends.
‘We welcomed the Government’s recognition of the problem, but now is the time to make good on their promise of action and give local councils the power to tackle problem pavement parking in their areas,’ she added.
A DfT spokesman said: ‘Everyone should be able to navigate their streets without obstacle, and we continue to work with charities to keep pavements clear.’
They added that local authorities do have powers to prohibit pavement parking.