A MOTHER with a pushchair and a visually-impaired man have appealed to drivers not to park on the pavements.

Kay Shields and Walter Young have spoken out about the problems in Meltham.

Kay said: “I understand people park on the pavement to make the road wide enough for vehicles to get past. But what they don’t realise is that they are causing bigger problems for pedestrians.

“As a mother with a modern pushchair – they can be quite big – I am often unable to get between parked cars and garden walls.

“That means I have to push my nine-week-old baby into the road so I can see round the vehicle.

“I am sure people would not want me to scratch their cars, so I would ask them to be more considerate.”

Kay also believes that police should do something.

She said: “I don’t understand why the police will not look into this further. Surely they can see the problems it causes. I believe it’s an offence to park on the pavement. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

“I supposes that as long as the highway is clear the police aren’t too bothered.”

Walter Young agrees.

The visually-impaired Meltham Town Council member also struggles to make it past parked cars.

He said: “For a guide dog owner and if the pavement is blocked the dog has to lead its owner on to the road.

“The dog and owner have to walk side-by-side, meaning the dog is in the middle of the road, which is highly dangerous.”

Mr Young said it was even more serious for a visually-impaired person without a guide dog.

He said: “If the pavement is blocked they have to try to find a way to get past. If there are two or three cars in a row they can be on the road for some time, leaving them disoriented and in danger.”

He added: “We need to make drivers aware of the problems they are causing in a way that doesn’t look like we’re against them.”

Clr Terry Lyons represents Meltham on Kirklees.

He said: “I believe most drivers, like myself, aren’t aware of how dangerous it is when we park on the footpath. I hope the practice will be reduced.

“I hope drivers will develop a more considerate mindset. Footpaths are for pedestrians and roads – however bad – are for motorists.”