A charity poll has found that politicians and residents alike would like a nationwide ban on pavement parking to prevent the ‘dangerous practice’.

The charity Guide Dogs questioned 2,352 residents and 407 councillors across the country and found that 7 out of 10 people voted for a ban; 8 out of 10 councillors in England and Wales also backed a new law.

Peter Box, chairman of the Local Government Association's economy and transport board, said: “Inconsiderate drivers parking on pavements cause huge inconvenience and pose real danger to blind or partially-sighted people and wheelchair users. That is why councils fully support the call for a new law to end the current confusion caused by different rules for motorists parking inside the capital and around the rest of the country”

A ban already exists in all areas of London, but the charity is calling on widespread action to help blind people especially.

James White, Guide Dogs' campaigns manager said: “It can be frightening for anyone who is forced to step into a road because the pavement is blocked by a van, car or other badly parked vehicle. Now imagine you have to step into a road where you can't see oncoming traffic. We want politicians to act, preventing this form of inconsiderate and dangerous parking.”