Five Years Waiting: Campaigners Celebrate a Birthday No One Wanted

Date posted: 21st November 2025

Tomorrow, 22 November 2025, marks five long years since the Government promised action on pavement parking – and still, nothing. So, campaigners from Thomas Pocklington Trust highlighted this frustrating milestone with a tongue-in-cheek “birthday party” outside Government offices near the Houses of Parliament. Complete with cake, candles and a giant birthday card – but no celebration until pavements are safe for all.

Bhavini, who is blind, said:

“Parking on pavements forces people like me, who are blind or partially sighted, into the road and into danger. Please think twice before you park on the pavement, block a crossing, or leave your car spilling out of a driveway. What might feel like convenience to you, can be a life-threatening obstacle for someone who is blind or partially sighted.”

Five people, including Bhavini, standing indoors in the Department for Transport holding a card addressed to Heidi Alexander (Secretary of State for Transport) and Lilian Greenwood. They are also holding white canes and a guide dog is present.

Cars on pavements force people with sight loss – and many others – into harms way, risking injury and stripping away independence. Blind and partially sighted people rely on tactile markings to guide them safely along pavements. When that tactile paving is blocked, that essential information and blind people are left to face hazards on the road. 82% of blind and partially sighted people say pavement parking stops them making safe journeys. It is time for change.

We are calling on the Government to

  • Publish the five-year-old consultation results
  • Commit to nationwide legislation with proper enforcement
  • Launch an awareness campaign to make drivers think twice

Join us in demanding action – write to your MP today. Let us make streets safe for everyone.

#TacklePavementParking #StreetsForAll

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