How does Kim Murphy's guide dog Jango help her navigate Harrogate?

Jango, Kim Murphy's guide dog, helps her go on walks, visit busy cafes, and find items in her house, but parked vehicles often block the pathways, forcing Jango to stop her or push her to the side.

How does the pavement parking issue affect white cane users in Harrogate?

For white cane users, the pavement parking obstacles often mean they have to turn around and go another way or even go back home, as the risks are even higher without a guide dog.

Home / Lifestyle / Blind Woman's Harrowing Commute Highlights Pavement Parking Perils

Blind Woman's Harrowing Commute Highlights Pavement Parking Perils

Q: What is the current law on pavement parking in Harrogate?

The law on pavement parking is very unclear outside of London and Scotland, allowing people to park on the footpaths, which puts visually impaired pedestrians like Kim at risk.

9 Oct

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Summary

Blind woman Kim Murphy lost independence after losing sight 10 years ago
Guide dog Jango helps Kim navigate, but parked cars block pathways
Legislation unclear, leaving blind pedestrians at risk of injury

Blind Woman's Harrowing Commute Highlights Pavement Parking Perils

Ten years ago, Kim Murphy lost her sight and says her confidence and independence went along with it. However, applying for a guide dog gave her the chance to live her life again. For the past eight years, Kim's guide dog Jango has helped her go on walks, visit cafes, and find items in her home.

Unfortunately, strolls around Harrogate remain difficult due to parked vehicles blocking pathways. The law is unclear outside of London and Scotland, allowing people to park on the footpaths. This forces Kim and Jango to navigate dangerous obstacles, with the dog sometimes abruptly stopping her or pushing her to the side. Kim worries that if she were using a white cane instead, the risk would be even higher.

The national sight loss charity Guide Dogs is now campaigning for pavement parking to be made illegal, as 84% of local councilors agree it creates safety risks. Kim's harrowing experiences highlight the urgent need for legislative change to ensure visually impaired pedestrians can travel safely in their communities.

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