At the recent WAAG committee meeting we discussed the question of obstructions to local pavements and were given the following advice.

Refuse bins.

If the obstruction is caused by a neighbour leaving his rubbish for collection then perhaps a quiet word to see if there may be a better place to leave the bins. Remember the service is a kerbside service so it may not be possible to meet that requirement and not, for a period of time, block the pavement. If the obstruction is caused by the way empty bins are left then contact the providers of the refuse collection service - SITA

Vehicles.

Obstruction by vehicles is an increasing problem especially in areas where there are insufficient parking facilities. In the view of the Department of Transport parking on the pavement may be an obstruction of the highway and if so falls under the the Highways Act 1980 (1980Act). If this is happening where you live you can

1. Contact your local PCSO and advise them of the situation. We understand they have the authority to issue fixed penalty notices.
2. Take photographs of vehicles which are regularly parked, preferably with a digital camera which records date and time on the photograph, and pass to your local PCSO for action
3. We understand that leaflets are being prepared for issue to Community Wardens and this includes information dealing with vehicles parked on pavements. If the vehicle belongs to a neighbour then, as and when the leaflets are available, you should put one through their letter box

In short - to try and address these problems does involve some effort on our part.

written by WAAG Secretary, 30/03/2008

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