A HUSBAND has slammed ‘careless’ motorists for parking over pavements forcing him to wheel his chair-bound wife into a busy road.

Steve Lennon, of Francis Mews, Maldon, has called out inconsiderate motorists who park their cars completely over the pavements in his estate, meaning his wheelchair-bound wife must go around them onto a busy road.

Mr Lennon has said the rogue parking has been going on for some time, but the problem it causes only became apparent after his wife began using the wheelchair.

He said: “My wife suffered an injury to her foot recently, so the past couple of weeks she’s been in a wheelchair, and only now does it become apparent just how many problems these rogue parkers can cause.

“Many feel it is their right to not only park with two wheels on the path but in many cases virtually the whole car making it impossible for anyone using a wheelchair or a pram or pushchair to pass.

“The end result being that due to the ignorance of the motorist those using a wheelchair have to move into the road and hope that they can move around the offending car safely.

“This road gets incredibly busy, lots of people going in and out during peak periods, and plenty of larger vans and lorries for deliveries.”

Mr Lennon said that despite being only a temporary user of a wheelchair, others have to brave the busy roads constantly because of parking issues, and that it’s only a matter of time before someone gets injured.

He added: “Some mothers and fathers walk by with a pushchair, and another infant or young child to take care of. Leading them into the road is always a danger, and if something happens it would be down to those obnoxious parkers.

“Some time ago I read that this sort of behaviour was no longer going to be acceptable and those causing a problem would be dealt with accordingly.

“When are the relevant authorities going to wake up to this increasing problem and take long overdue action against those offending?”

A spokesman for the South Essex Parking Partnership said: “ “Parking on pavements is classed as obstruction of the highway, an offense enforceable by police.

“As we can see in this case, inconsiderate pavement parking can cause safety issues for pedestrians, particularly those with prams or mobility scooters. We urge drivers to consider the impact their parking has on others and to ensure that there is room for vulnerable street users to pass.”