Pavement Peril: Wheelchair User Forced onto Road

A wheelchair user in Preston has spoken out about the perilous state of local pavements, which frequently compels her to navigate busy roads. Alicia Cartwright, 41, states that inadequate pavement quality, obstructed pathways, and a lack of usable dropped kerbs render her journeys through the town both dangerous and inaccessible.

Cartwright has appealed to Lancashire County Council, urging them to conduct a comprehensive review of all pavements and dropped kerbs to enhance accessibility. In response, the council affirmed that pavements undergo regular inspections, with high-traffic routes checked more frequently. Safety defects are then prioritized for repair based on their severity and potential risk to the public.

To mitigate risks, Cartwright has resorted to attaching bike lights and reflective items to her wheelchair. She explains that while she lives in constant fear, not leaving her home is not an option. Mel Close from Disability Equality North West confirmed that such issues are widespread, affecting individuals daily on their regular routes.

Both Cartwright and Close pointed to cars parked on pavements as a significant problem. Cartwright feels deprioritized when drivers cite minor inconveniences for parking obstruction that create real danger for wheelchair users. She hopes drivers are unaware of the impact their actions have.

Cartwright is advocating for the council to prioritize pavement condition assessments and streamline the process for reporting defects. She also called for a public awareness campaign. Lancashire County Council acknowledged the importance of pavement condition and accessibility for less mobile individuals and stated that public reports help target inspections and repairs. Requests for new or improved dropped kerbs are also assessed and prioritized based on need.