Dear Editor,

I recently reported a car which was parked almost totally on the footpath, literally blocking it (so pedestrians could not get past).

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council informed me that unless there are parking restrictions in force they cannot stop this.  I’ve now pointed out this from the Highway code (Rule 244): You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.

Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs (Law GL(GP)A sect 15).

Why do some people think it’s ok to put pedestrians' lives in danger (because pedestrians have to walk in the road) – in this particular case the car is frequently parked on the pavement close enough to a junction that it’s impossible to see if any traffic is coming without pulling out.

I think anyone with so little sense (or disregard for the Highway Code) should be banned from driving.

Trevor Rose

South Ham Road

Basingstoke