Guide Dog User Highlights Dangers of Pavement Parking in Birkenhead

Birkenhead Pavement Parking Creates Danger for Visually Impaired Man and Guide Dog A recent video by the Liverpool Echo highlights the daily struggles faced by Scott Keegan, a visually impaired resident of Birkenhead, due to inconsiderate pavement parking. The video shows Keegan and his guide dog, Ribbon, forced into the road numerous times because of vehicles parked on the pavement. "She's signaled me now to the kerb," Keegan explains, pointing to his guide dog's reaction to a car approaching unexpectedly. "You don't know where which side they're going to come from." The video underscores the danger this creates, not just for those with guide dogs, but also wheelchair users and parents with prams. Adam Marsh, Guide Dogs policy and campaigns manager, adds context to the issue, stating that pavement parking creates "an extra obstacle for people who are sight-loss" and increases stress in their daily lives. He mentions the growing issue of quieter electric and hybrid vehicles further compounding the problem. The video concludes with a call for increased consideration from drivers, emphasizing that thinking before parking could prevent dangerous situations and make a real difference in the lives of many. The issue of pavement parking is a growing concern across the UK, and this video serves as a powerful reminder of its real-world consequences.