The Pembrokeshire Access Group continues its campaign to highlight the problems encountered by disabled people in accessing the footways and parking spaces in Pembrokeshire. The group's latest initiative is the production of an advisory leaflet called 'Please Don't'. The leaflet can be placed on a vehicle's windscreen to inform motorists that they have parked in a space reserved for disabled people under the government's Blue Badge Scheme. The group has also taken the opportunity to re- launch its 'Flush Kerbs' flyer which has been used successfully by disabled people and traffic wardens since its initial 2005 launch and can similarly be used to alert motorists that they have caused an obstruction. Both flyers are a joint initiative between the Pembrokeshire Access Group, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police and are being promoted by Dyfed Powys Police to other forces throughout Wales for use by their traffic wardens and police officers. The chairman of the access group, Beryl Thomas- Cleaver said: "This is a softer approach than taking legal action and hopefully motorists will co-operate and look out for these facilities and not obstruct them in the future. "Pembrokeshire County Council has had a rolling programme to improve flush kerb access to our pavements for many years now and it is disappointing when all their hard work is spoilt by a few careless individuals." Haverfordwest County Councillor David Bryan (Priory electoral division) has noticed that the abuse of flush kerbs is an issue which is regularly brought to his attention by local residents and he is keen that this initiative is supported and publicised. Said Clr. David Wildman, cabinet member for the elderly and infirm: "A simple trip to the post office can turn into a marathon if flush kerbs along the route are blocked by careless or inconsiderate drivers. "This simple thoughtless act can prevent wheelchair and scooter users and families with pushchairs from getting on and off the pavement and might result in the trip being abandoned and a long trip back home again because the destination can't be reached. "People who illegally park in 'disabled', Blue Badge parking spaces also prevent disabled motorists from getting to their destination. "Disabled drivers need extra space to get in and out of their vehicles and these parking bays have been specially 'enabled' to facilitate this. "These bays are larger than conventional parking spaces and are closer to shops and facilities to make it easier for people with mobility problems to get to these facilities."

Please Don’t: Clr. Wildman (second from left) with county council access officer, Alan Hunt; Mrs. Beryl Thomas-Cleaver and Clr. Bryan.
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