A pensioner from Glasgow has described being forced to walk on the road amid ‘inconsiderate’ and ‘illegal’ parking near Police Scotland’s HQ.
Paul Studley, 73, wrote to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland in a very unique way to raise concerns over ‘dangerous’ parking near the French Street office, reports Glasgow Live.
The Bridgeton local said the area has become impossible for the elderly and vulnerable walkers due to the number of cars parked on the footpaths.
Photos shared show dozens of cars mounted on paths as well as vans from another local business. In one photo, cars be seen parked double abreast on the walkway – leaving no space for other road users.
And so Paul created a card featuring some of the badly parked cars and even a framed photo featuring the worst offenders.
Paul said: “It’s been going on for ages, but it has gradually gotten worse in the last year.
“Anyone in a wheelchair or who is elderly is completely knackered walking there because they have to leave the pavement if they want to walk in the area. You are getting forced to go on and off of the pavement.
“Your temper starts to go when you are ducking this and that way. The way that many of them parked you wouldn’t get an emergency vehicle in, it annoys me.
“I think it is mainly Police Scotland employees. I wrote to them to politely ask if they could highlight the pavement parking ban to their staff.”
Drivers in Glasgow who park even slightly on the pavement will face a hefty fine as the ban came into force last month. The new rules are in place to improve road safety for pedestrians, such as people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies, who can be forced on to the road due to inappropriate parking.
However, some streets, including a few near the Police Scotland HQ are currently being evaluated on whether they will be exempt. Despite this, the council says that all parking should be safe and not pose a danger to pedestrians.
Police Scotland has since confirmed that they are aware of the ‘issue of inconsiderate and illegal parking’ and are urging staff to park responsibly.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “We have become aware of the issue of inconsiderate and illegal parking around our Dalmarnock building.
“We regularly carry out parking enforcement, particularly where a vehicle is parked in a dangerous location or is causing an obstruction.
“We would urge all our staff and other motorists to park responsibly and legally at all times.
“The Chief Constable has received correspondence regarding this matter and a response will be provided in due course.”