A Portobello resident dealing with multiple sclerosis has been forced to walk in the road due to locals parked on the pavement.
Rich Howells, who lives just three minutes from Portobello Beach, has found himself struggling to make his way around his own street due to parked cars and bins left out. These issues are also affecting those with prams or wheelchairs trying to make their way down the road.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Rich said: “Due to treatment for my multiple sclerosis I am permanently immunocompromised, so am extremely vulnerable to infections.
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“Being forced to squeeze through a small gap between parked cars and bins - which in this instance won’t have been emptied for several weeks, which is a genuine health hazard to me.
“I live just minutes from the beach, which is a straight line along Regent Street. However, residents always park their cars on pavements on both sides of the road making it difficult or sometimes impossible for people to pass down the street.
“This is particularly problematic for people with prams or wheelchairs, meaning that many people have to walk on the road.”
For Rich, his health impacts his mobility meaning he often trips. He’s said being forced to walk down narrow pavements can be a real challenge.
He continued: “Pavement parking is a longstanding and increasing issue in Portobello, both with residents and tourists from out of town, which has increased since the pandemic.
“Being sandwiched between wing mirrors and garden walls, sometimes with the added obstacle of bins, is a real challenge. Often this results in me walking on the road - much to the annoyance of drivers - but where am I supposed to walk?”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, commented on the accessibility issues in Portobello. He told Edinburgh Live: “I want to ensure pavements across the city are safe and accessible.
“Pavement parking is anti-social and restricts the freedom of people with disabilities, as well as damaging footpaths and making life more difficult for pedestrians. The Scottish Government has not yet given Councils the power to fine drivers for parking on footpaths, but when it does I will ensure they are rapidly implemented.
“Portobello is an area which has huge potential, but is held back by a number of issues related to selfish and dangerous vehicle use by a minority of drivers. I’m committed to working with local residents on a plan to transform the area, and I look forward to meeting with the Community Council later this month to hear their views.
“I hope Portobello can become an example for how the Council can work with residents to solve similar issues right across our fantastic city.”
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