A blind man has described the moment he narrowly avoided being hit by an oncoming car after he was forced onto the road with his guide dog whena vehicle completely blocking the pavement.
Carlos Rodriguez welcomed Glasgow’s new pavement parking ban which took effect on Wednesday, January 29, after the harrowing experience. He credited his guide dog, Marine, for quick thinking that kept them both unharmed.
Under Glasgow City Council’s new rules, drivers can face fines for parking on pavements, with penalties applying to vehicles with even one wheel on the pavement, double parking, or parking near dropped kerbs. The fine is £100 but is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Initially, warning notices will be issued to help motorists adjust to the changes.
Recalling the incident, Carlos said: “I understand that to a lot of people it seems like a minor issue, but pavement parking can have a significant impact on guide dog users. I was once forced onto the road because a car was parked fully on the pavement. That situation isn’t uncommon, but if it weren’t for my guide dog Marine’s quick reactions, I would have walked straight into the path of an oncoming electric car.”
He told Glasgow Live: “I’m glad Glasgow City Council has taken steps to enforce pavement parking legislation. While it might cause some inconvenience, I think the trade-off for pedestrian safety is absolutely worth it.”
The new measures aim to improve safety for pedestrians, including people with disabilities, parents with prams, and others who might otherwise be forced onto the road due to obstructive parking.
Guide Dogs Scotland, a charity supporting those with vision impairments, expressed strong support for the new rules after campaigning alongside partner organisations and supporters.
Michael Moore, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We’re pleased that Glasgow City Council has begun enforcing pavement parking legislation, making pavements safer for pedestrians in Scotland’s largest city.
“Pavement parking forces guide dog users, wheelchair users, and people with pushchairs onto busy roads, creating dangerous situations. We campaigned for years with our partners to address this issue, and it’s great to see legislation finally being enforced. We hope other local authorities in Scotland will follow Glasgow’s example, ensuring streets are safe for everyone.”
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