Editor

I write regarding your frontpage story (Cambrian News south edition, 26 December) about Mr Edwards losing his temper and ending up in court with a criminal conviction for damaging a van parked on the pavement in Aberaeron.

Drivers who leave their vehicles parked on the footway are providing an endless source of danger and frustration to people living with sight loss.

Just a moment’s thought for those less fortunate would have seen the vehicle parked round the corner and the goods being delivered pushed around on a trolley.

This story clearly illustrates how a lack of consideration given to those who live with a visual impairment can result in at the very least inconvenience and at worse injury.

I come into contact with lots of folk living locally who have lost their sight and I’m afraid that pavement parking (and other unnecessary street clutter) is a regular topic of vexed complaint.

The fact that there has not been serious injury or death caused to anyone because of this thoughtless action is a constant source of amazement to me. Sadly I fear it is only a matter of time.

Why can’t our politicians pass a law making pavement parking illegal? They are aware of the dangers it creates. Many of them have experienced a blindfold walk organised by us and have felt for themselves how frightening it is to try to get around when you can’t see. They are happy to receive the publicity that such an experience brings but fail to follow it up by doing something positive to help. Passing legislation making pavement parking illegal would enable police to say “there is something we can do”.

It would be of service to our community if you could point out to your readers that pavement parking is extremely dangerous to others less fortunate than ourselves.

David Fillery Volunteer Group organiser, Ceredigion, South Gwynedd and Powys Guide Dogs

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