One of our members has passed to us an article from the Macular Society. We share it here as we have many members who are affected by those who park on pavements. The proposed ban on pavement parking being rejected is disappointing to those with visual impairment as well as people who need to use wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Thank you to the Macular Society for reporting on this. If members have concerns please email admin@shropshire-disability.net & we can look at passing on information & being the “voice” for the people of Shropshire.

A proposed law to ban pavement parking across England and Wales has been rejected by the Government. Transport Minister Mr Goodwill, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said the Government could make no decision in favour of implementing a national ban without further evidence. The Macular Society has supported a campaign led by Guide Dogs to get the Bill passed in Parliament. Guide Dogs has been working closely with a number of charities to campaign on the issue.

Pavement parking can result in blind and partially sighted people injuring themselves by walking into a car. It may also force people to walk out into the road, which can mean they are unable to see oncoming traffic. There are concerns some cities and town centres are becoming no-go zones for people who are visually impaired. Conservative MP Simon Hoare’s Pavement Parking (Protection of Vulnerable Pedestrians) Bill suggested making it a civil offence for a person to park their vehicle on the verge or pavement of an urban road. Following the discussion in Parliament Mr Goodwill said talks will be scheduled for the New Year between officials, MPs, charities and interested organisations to assess what needs to be done to keep pavements clear to help the blind and other vulnerable people.

I’ve taken action, will you? Asks Mencap.

SDN have received information from Alpa  Thakar (Regional Engagement Officer-Central) at Mencap saying they are “worried about benefit cuts for people with a learning disability. You should be too. I’ve joined over a thousand people speaking out about benefits to our MPs and the public.”

You can add your voice to Mencap’s campaign by sharing your story here. Together we can protect benefits for people with a learning disability. 

Mencap ask could you arrange to meet with your MP and tell them what you think about benefits and, if relevant, how the changes in the Bill would affect you.

Click here for Mencap campaign packs that gives you more information on the campaign and suggestions on what you may want to say when meeting your MP.

Click here for Talking Benefits Campaign Talking Benefits Campaign_ Guide_Final_1   &  here for Easy Read Campaigns Pack ER Campaigns Pack on_ Benefits_2