SOLIHULL Council is to introduce fines for inconsiderate drivers who park across dropped kerbs.
The action comes in response to concerns from residents fed up with having their safe way to cross roads blocked off by vehicles.
And the move has been welcomed as a ‘step in the right direction’ by people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushing pushchairs.
Tom Masterson, who has been using a wheelchair for 35 years and coaches Warwickshire Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club, said: “I think it’s a great idea.
“They put drop down kerbs there for a reason and then you have someone park their car across them,” he said.
“It means to cross the road you have to bump down large kerbs and that can cause pain and discomfort as well as damage your chair.”
Tom lives in central Solihull close to three schools and said he would be keen to see the initiative extended to include parking on pavements.
“To be fair to the council they’ve been doing a good job but sometimes, at school drop off or pick up times, drivers park anywhere and they force you into the road.
“They only alter their behaviour when the parking attendant turns up.”
The new fines regime comes into force from Monday, September 5 and will carry a fine of £70.
This will be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
The fines are being introduced following a review of the Council’s parking services strategy in July.
This found there was scope to issue a £70 Penalty Charge Notice to any motorist who obstructs a pedestrian dropped kerb where tactile paving is present.
Solihull Council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Ken Hawkins, said: “In response to residents’ concerns about parked vehicles blocking access to footways, and in accordance with the Highway Code, I agreed to change our enforcement policy to help tackle inconsiderate parking.
“Dropped kerbs are particularly important to help people who use wheelchairs or pushchairs to travel safely and independently.”
Warwickshire Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club accepts both disabled and able bodied players, juniors and adults.
Find them online for more information.
