A LEADING sight loss charity is calling for what it describes as “dangerous” and “irresponsible” pavement parking to be outlawed.

Guide Dogs say cars, vans and other vehicles parked on pavements will continue to force pedestrians – including those with visual impairment – into danger on busy roads unless politicians back a change in the law.

Their campaign to end pavement parking kicks off this year, with added impetus as a Bill to ban the practice makes its way through Parliament.

The call coincides with YouGov research released by the charity, which indicates that three quarters of people have been affected by vehicles parked on the pavement.

Around 55% say cars parked on pavements make it harder for them to walk along them, 45% say they force them into the road, while 20% say parked cars make it feel like it’s more dangerous to cross the road.

Some groups – including people living with sight loss, older people or those with buggies – are at a greater risk.

A Bill to ban the practice – led by Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood - is set to be debated in Parliament today, Friday.

While pavement parking is against the law in London and some parts of the UK, the law is unclear elsewhere.

Guide Dogs believes a similar system to that in the capital – where exemptions are issued for businesses loading goods and those granted by individual councils – would work well and is leading calls for a new national law.

DOGGY CAM: Guide Dogs has released real-life footage highlighting the harm caused by vehicles parked on pavements. The footage, filmed from a guide dog's view, highlights the impact irresponsible parking has on people living with sight loss.

James White, campaigns manager for Guide Dogs, said: “Parking on pavements blights pedestrians’ lives. It puts pedestrians in danger, particularly those living with sight loss.

“Imagine how scary it is for people without sight to have to walk in the middle of the road because the pavement is blocked?”

Mr White added: “We hope this year sees this dangerous practice outlawed once and for all and call on all political parties to back a change in the law.

“We also urge drivers to consider making a new resolution this year and think twice before parking on the pavement.”

Joe Irvin, chief executive of Living Streets – a national charity that stands up for pedestrians – said: “Pavements are not car parks. Pavement parking is a nuisance for everyone, but if you’re older, have mobility problems or impaired sight, it can force you into the road and into danger.

“It’s not just the public who are confused - often local authorities and police forces are unclear over who is responsible, which means the issue fails to be addressed.”

Previous YouGov research found that almost seven in 10 people support a national law that prohibits pavement parking and that three quarters of drivers would stop the practice if it became illegal.

Wirral Council and Merseyside Police joined forces in 2013 in a campaig to raise awareness of the dangers and inconvenience pavement parking can cause.

Part of the campaign featured a leaflet which, at first glance, looked like a fixed penalty notice.

They were placed on vehicles which officers from the council or police deemed to be causing an obstruction.

The leaflet was designed to inform, but also warn, that next time the notice could be a real one from the police carrying a fixed penalty.

To support the campaign and ask your MP to support the Bill, click here.