An Edinburgh woman has spoken out about the dangers that pavement parking has on her as a wheelchair user.
Green councillor Kayleigh O'Neill, who represents the Forth Ward, relies on assistance to travel and has taken to social media to raise awareness of what her everyday life is like while trying to get around Edinburgh.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Cllr O'Neill, 24, explained how she is forced to go onto the road when people park their cars on the pavement - not leaving enough space for her wheelchair.
READ NEXT- Landlords in Edinburgh 'bullying' tenants into rent hikes above price cap or face eviction
"There's been a few times I've had to do that and cars are coming towards me."
Down by Inglis Green Road, a route Cllr O'Neill often takes, she says it is a recurring problem and took to TikTok to demonstrate how inaccessible it makes the pavements.
In a video on the app, Cllr O'Neill can be seen heading down a street in her wheelchair when she is met by a car which is parked between red lines. This forces the Green councillor to drive on the road facing oncoming traffic.
"Sometimes there are road work signs on the pavement and a car on the other. I had to either decide whether to try and get past the road signs on the pavement but it would mean I'd have to lift them, potentially hurt myself, or go on the road, and hope a car doesn't come towards me.
"Every time I leave the house, I always add on extra time to plan and count in the expectation that there will probably be sort of barrier, which is a pain!
"It's exhausting! I think that's why I made that video, I thought more people would see it. The reaction has actually been pretty good. Some would question why it was a problem, but when they see it, it helps them understand.
"When you explain, well they are parked across a red line, parked on a pavement, or at a dropped curb, every other route is now inaccessible so you're forcing disabled people, or older people, people with buggies, onto the road - that's why it's a problem - other people start to understand.
"I've had people tell me that they now call it out when they see it, or even drivers go 'oh I didn't think about that, I'm going to stop parking like that now'. It's only small, but it's something. We just need more people to engage, because it's about the safety of people."
Taking on a new project, O'Neill has been monitoring the pavements in her ward to see how accessible they are - in particular looking at drop curbs and space on the pavements.
The Scottish Government legislated to ban on pavement parking in October 2019. However, guidance on how local authorities should implement the ban is still being drafted and is expected to be ready by the end of 2023.
Edinburgh’s transport and environment convener, councillor Scott Arthur, has been vocal in his condemnation of pavement parking. He has called in the past for the powers to be given to the council sooner rather than later.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “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.”
READ NEXT-
Edinburgh weather to turn as freezing temperatures and heavy rain on its way
Midlothian teen victim of jail dodge rapist Sean Hogg speaks out after brute appeals conviction
Edinburgh easyJet 'sorry' as stranded passengers told to stay in one star hotel
Jimmy Savile's Scottish house of horrors stripped bare by 'trophy hunters' as demolition stalled
Former Edinburgh high school swimming pool set for bulldozer over 'safety fears'
