A BLIND pensioner from Redditch has hit out at inconsiderate drivers who park their cars over pavements and turn his daily walk to the shops into an “obstacle course”.

Richard Little, 70, of Headless Cross, wants drivers who park across pavements to be aware of how it affects pushchair users, wheelchair users, and those who use guide dogs.

He said: “People say ‘I was only here for a few minutes’ but life is hard enough being blind without having to turn the pavements into an obstacle course.

“I don’t know what it is like for ladies with pushchairs but if you have to go out into the road then it is not good for anyone. It is frustrating and makes me quite angry.

“I have to walk into town quite often. I particularly dread going past the area down by the garage on Mount Pleasant.

“There are double yellow lines on there but it is almost as if motorists regard double yellow lines as an invitation to park on the pavements.

“There are normally about four or five cars parked on the pavement outside the shops too.

“There are times when I think is there another way to go but my dog knows the path.

“It just seems to be happening more and more frequently.”

Only councils in London can ban pavement parking and issue fines – and have been able to do so for the past 40 years – but that law is yet to be rolled out across the country.

The Local Government Association and Guide Dogs charity argue it should be put into action nationwide to ensure people are not put at risk by being forced into the road.

Sue Bushell, Guide Dogs community engagement officer for Worcestershire, said: “As a charity we spend a lot of time and money on making sure people who are blind or partially sighted can get out and about on their own terms.

“It is so disheartening to hear when they are too worried to go out because they are frightened of getting running over in the road as they go past obstructions on the pavement.

“It's not just guide dog owners it causes problems for, pedestrians with reduced mobility, wheelchair or mobility scooter users, and parents with young children or buggies are all placed at greater risk of accidents and injury.”

The charity sent a 31,000 strong petition to Downing Street in July, calling for new UK-wide laws to prevent pavement parking.

It also wants Redditch residents to help them track pavement parkers, by adding incidents to its interactive map on guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/campaigns/streets-ahead/pavement-parking.

Cllr Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways at Worcestershire County Council, added: "If there is a problem with vehicles parking on the pavement in a specific location, this should be reported to the police who may be able to take action in certain cases."