PARKING MAD: Shocking examples of bad parking in Blackburn spark calls for change

Bad parking is frustrating for us all, and these pictures from in and around Blackburn show the very worst examples vehicles left where they surely shouldn't be.

Photographs sent in by readers show the whole gamut of parking nightmares, from a van completely blocking the pavement, cars abandoned on zebra crossings and an apparent inability to manoeuvre between white lines.

We may find some of these parking mishaps irritating, and sometimes even a little amusing.

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But the inconsiderate actions of drivers could have more serious consequences.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Highways boss Phil Riley said: “The way some people park is selfish, inconsiderate, inconvenient and at times dangerous.

“Council get criticism for enforcing parking regulations but we do it for a reason.

“Badly-parked care are a real problem for older people, the disabled, mothers with toddlers and babies, and those with impaired visions.

“It stops them going shopping and getting around.

“In some cases badly parked cars affecting drivers sight-lines leads to road accidents causing injury.”

Brian Todd, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum, said: “It is irritating and annoying for older people who need to get around.

“For those with disabilities it is more than that and very inconvenient.

“Older and disabled people often can just walk round car parked half on the pavement.

“Cars affecting drivers vision of the highway and who is crossing it can be a danger to those with poor molilty trying to cross the road.”

Tony Ford, Watch Liaison Officer for Lancashire Constabulary, East Division describes some of these drivers' actions as 'unlawful, shameless and downright selfish’.

He said: "Driving is an outward expression of our personality and character.

"We see it manifest on our roads every day.

"These drivers knew exactly the problems they would cause but walked away nonetheless.

"As a pedestrian you wouldn’t deliberately obstruct someone’s passage along the highway or force a mother and child into the road thereby exposing them to danger so why do we do it with our cars?

"We probably won’t change the way these people think but we can set examples for others to follow.

"Thoughtful and considerate driving is a pleasure to behold."

Simon O’Rourke who runs Shop Mobility in Clitheroe, said: “I’m in a wheelchair and bad parking puts people like me in harm’s way all the time.

“If somebody has parked inconsiderably in a space at the supermarket we have to go around it and that puts us in the path of other cars that we can’t easily get out of the way like other people.

“Parking in my area can be truly awful and something really should be done about it.

“People can also park on pavements at odd angles which cuts off the amount of space people have to get past.

“If you are in a wheelchair you obviously need more space than most other people but some don’t think like that.

“Taxis are the worst offenders in my opinion and I hope that something is done to curb bad and dangerous parking.”

David Morris, chair of governors at Pendle Primary School in Clitheroe, said: “Bad parking is an issue at all schools especially in the morning and the afternoon when the school opens and closes.

“It can be dangerous for young people and there have been near misses in the past.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council Highways boss Phil Riley said: “The way some people park is selfish, inconsiderate, inconvenient and at times dangerous.

“Council get criticism for enforcing parking regulations but we do it for a reason.

“Badly-parked care are a real problem for older people, the disabled, mothers with toddlers and babies, and those with impaired visions.

“It stops them going shopping and getting around.

“IN some cases badly parked cars affecting drivers sight-lines leads to road accidents causing injury.”

Brian Todd, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum, said: “It is irritating and annoying for older people who need to get around.

“For those with disabilities it is more than that and very inconvenient.

“Older and disabled people often can just walk round car parked half on the pavement.

“Cars affecting drivers vision of the highway and who is crossing it can be a danger to those with poor mobility trying to cross the road.”