Letter of the week: South Shields pavements are for pedestrians - not vehicles

In this letter I questioned the council’s lack of commitment in enforcing this inconvenience and also the civil enforcement officers for no action, yet since then the problem has considerably worsened.

I read the article on April 10 in the Shields Gazette on this issue and was heartened by the news that the Department of Transport is considering new laws to prevent pavement parking, punishable by a fine up to £70.

However, the council has issued a statement saying “pavement parking is inconsiderate and hazardous particularly for wheelchair users, prams and the visually impaired”, which is true.

But they then say “our officers regularly patrol these areas”, which I question as I have informed officers in the past without any action.

The definition of a pavement according to the Oxford Dictionary is “A raised paved section for pedestrians at the side of the road”.

Jack Wiffin.