A DISABILITY champion has welcomed a change in legislation which means fines can be given to any driver who parks a vehicle over a dropped kerb or pedestrian crossing point.

Margaret Burrow, chief executive of the Barrow and District Disability Association hailed the change as “fantastic news” civil enforcement officers from Cumbria County Council can now issue penalty charge notices to any vehicle that is parked partly or completely over a dropped kerb or pedestrian crossing point from March 1.

The obstruction of dropped kerbs and pedestrian crossing points can present significant difficulties for visually impaired pedestrians and to those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

Mrs Burrow said: “Drop kerbs are there to help people be more mobile and when they are blocked it can cause an awful amount of distress for many.

“There is nothing more frustrating to find you can’t get to where you want to go.

“We have been campaigning for years so it is good that at last people are recognising this issue.”

Prior to commencing full enforcement, the council will be undertaking a period of advice and education to ensure that motorists are aware of the new powers and we will be issuing warning notices.

There are also a number of exemptions, namely where the vehicle is:

  • parked wholly within a designated parking place or any other part of the carriageway where parking is specifically authorised.
  • parked outside residential premises by or with the consent of the occupier.
  • being used by the emergency services.
  • being used for delivery of goods or loading or unloading to/from premises for no more than 20 minutes.
  • being used for any building operation, demolition or excavation.

The charge will be £70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days from the date of issue.

County Cllr Keith Little, the county's highways boss said: “ "These additional powers will assist in improving the safety of all road users and pedestrians."