Pavement Parking a Daily Problem as Ban Moves Forward

 Alex Patterson, a resident of Ballymoney, County Antrim, began losing his sight 15 years ago and said that vehicles parked on sidewalks are a "daily problem." He added, "There needs to be more consideration for people with disabilities or small vehicles."

 This comes as Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced that her department is introducing legislation to tackle "inappropriate" parking on sidewalks.

 Kimmins said on Wednesday that she would ban people from parking entirely on sidewalks, across pedestrian-only sidewalks, and double parking.

She said "too many drivers fail to realise the consequences of their actions when their vehicle blocks the footway".

He said, "Many drivers fail to understand the consequences of their actions when their vehicle blocks the pavement."

 Pavement parking is prohibited in London and parts of Scotland.

 Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the disruptions caused by pavement parking.

 Mr. Paterson has a guide dog to help him navigate public spaces and said that "not much attention is paid to those who need to keep pavements clear."

 He said, "There may only be two guide dogs in Ballymoney currently, but there are a lot of cars, and there's an older generation."

 He said that more enforcement by officers and more awareness by drivers is needed. He also said that he hopes people, businesses, and construction workers will "think a little more" about where they park.