Drivers who left vehicles fully mounted and illegally parked on pavement hit with hefty fines in council crackdown
Published: 18 March 2021
Redbridge Council is cracking down on drivers who selfishly and illegally obstruct pavements, impeding access for pedestrians.
Under recent enforcement action four drivers found themselves summoned to court after failing to pay fines dished out to them for highway obstruction.
All four were forced to pay out hundreds of pounds in fines and court costs after being caught illegally using the pavement as a place to leave their vehicle, causing a serious obstruction to pedestrians, including parents with young children, disabled people and local shoppers trying to pass by.
They were caught in separate incidents after Redbridge Enforcement Officers spotted the vehicles fully mounted and illegally blocking the pavement in Ilford Lane, and Portman Drive in Chadwell Heath.
One of the vehicles had taken up two thirds of the pavement, making it virtually impossible for anyone with a mobility scooter, wheelchair or pram to get by with ease.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: “This type of thoughtless and illegal parking forces pedestrians on to the road to get around the obstructing vehicle. It’s not only inconsiderate to those trying to get by, but also dangerous, especially if you’re a parent with young children, if you have mobility issues or are a wheelchair user. Let this be a warning to other drivers who think they can get away with this kind of inconsiderate behaviour.”
Ilford Shopmobility, who loan out wheelchairs and powered scooters to help those with mobility difficulties access local facilities independently, also hit out at the “selfish drivers”.
Michael Ratcliffe, Chair of The Board of Trustees for Ilford Shopmobility said: “I myself am a mobility scooter user and have faced the problem of cars blocking the pavement, leaving me unable to pass safely. I have had to resort to going into the road facing oncoming traffic on a regular basis. These types of selfish drivers should be held accountable for their actions and I’m pleased to hear the council is taking enforcement action against such drivers.”
