FRUSTRATED residents and business owners have spoken out about illegal parking on pavements which is obstructing the movement of pedestrians in a Bradford community.
A number of businesses who are members of the Wibsey Business Group on Facebook spoke to the T&A to voice their concerns about vehicles parking on pavements on Fair Road in the heart of Wibsey.
Gareth Gregory, a member of Wibsey Liberal Club, said: “The pavement is not a car park. Driving on the footpath is an offence.”
Mr Gregory said there have been a number of problems with drivers parking their vehicles on the pavement in front of the Liberal Club and other local businesses including Willows Private Day Nursery.
However, Mr Gregory said: “It’s not just happening here, it’s all over Wibsey. This is a daily occurrence.”
Vicky Sheard, manager of Willows Private Day Nursey, said: “We don’t condone parking on the pavement in front of the nursey, but people just pull up and park there."
She also said nearby North Road can be “packed during the school run” at Wibsey Primary School.
She said that sometimes people park on the pavement to avoid crossing the “dangerous” Fair Road.
“I once saw a child walking with a parent nearly get hit on the pedestrian crossing.”
“This is crazy, there is no need,” said Mr Gregory. “Since the introduction of the Clean Air Zone, traffic is scarier through this area. It’s so busy.”
Mr Gregory also spoke about the abuse that local people get when they politely ask people to move their cars.
“You feel scared to confront people, but some of us have CCTV to protect ourselves.”
Ms Sheard said they have asked Bradford Council to install bollards on the pavement to stop people from parking there, but she noted businesses have been told they would have to pay for these themselves.
Mr Gregory added: “They’ve got to put a stop to this before it goes and further.”
The pavement parking problems have been raised with Bradford Council.
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Council wardens actively patrol the Wibsey area and issue Penalty Charge Notices to any vehicles seen parking illegally or on pavements.
“We can take parking enforcement action on some sections of Fair Road where there are yellow lines being in place.
“Yellow lines are enforceable from the road right up to the building line where the public have free and unrestricted access. This includes the pavement.
“In areas where there are no waiting restrictions the Police have powers to take action when vehicles obstruct the footway.”
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