BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to name and shame pavement parkers who block pedestrian access and put people at “greater risk of accidents”.

Pushchair users, wheelchair users, and those who use guide dogs are among those affected by pavement parking – an issue which has been the centre of national campaigning.

Richard Summers, from Bromsgrove, has been left so frustrated by the issue that he has set up a Facebook page called ‘Bad Parking in Bromsgrove’.

He said: "The main reason for creating the group was to highlight what pedestrians have to put up with when inconsiderate drivers park cars in a way that is causing an obstruction.

"It also highlights what problems it can cause to other car drivers when visibility is reduced due to bad inconsiderate parking.

"This problem is a particular concern as I am partially sighted, and having obstacles on the footpath makes any journey even more difficult to negotiate.

"In certain places it is a regular occurrence."

Only council’s 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 vulnerable 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 Bromsgrove 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."