Cam Sight is delighted to join with Living Streets Cambridge and the RNIB in this campaign to put an end to pavement parking – long overdue in Cambridge.

In a recent local survey (Living Streets, 2021) over 70% of people reported local pavements blocked by parked vehicles. This creates risks and hazards for many walkers, including older or infirm pedestrians, wheelchair users and parents with buggies.

But as our video shows, unexpected or sudden obstructions are an absolute nightmare for people who are blind or visually impaired. In Cambridge, with its narrow streets and congested roads, vehicles parked in the wrong place are a real hazard.

Khadija Raza, Outreach Worker from Cam Sight, a charity which supports people with visual impairments living in Cambridgeshire says that “visually impaired pedestrians should have the same access to their streets as able-bodied people. We implore the citizens of Cambridgeshire to be more considerate with their behaviour towards pedestrians. Don’t park on the pavement as this could mean vulnerable pedestrians are putting themselves in unnecessary harm."

Tom Skelton, Regional Campaigns Officer for RNIB, said: “The figures speak for themselves that this is a massive issue in Cambridge, one that we hope can be tackled with the launch of our new campaign with Cam Sight and Living Streets Cambridge. We urge everyone to educate themselves about the dangers posed by pavement parking by watching our film and engaging with the campaign.”

Pavement parking adds to other dangers too. Over 90% of respondents to our survey commented on cracked and potholed pavements. Drivers parking their vehicles on the pavement help to cause these cracks and potholes, yet pedestrians suffer the consequences in trips and falls. Engines left running add to local pollution and cause breathing difficulties.

Pavement parking in Cambridge has been on the increase. We need stronger action now. Without a pavement parking ban this abuse will continue to grow and pedestrians will continue to suffer the consequences.

To join this and future campaigns at see details on the Living Streets website