PICTURES have revealed the extent of the "dismal" parking situation in Evesham after the mayor raised concerns over pedestrian safety.

The mayor of Evesham, Alan Booth, had voiced concerns over pavement parking in the town which is blocking footpaths for mothers with prams and those on mobility scooters.

Cllr Booth, who also uses a mobility scooter, said it has caused pedestrians to "take lives into their own hands" and go into the road to get past.

Evesham Journal: Cllr Booth said it is hard for mothers with pushchairs to get past.Cllr Booth said it is hard for mothers with pushchairs to get past. (Image: Peter Stewart)Pictures taken by the photographer Peter Stewart show cars in the town parking on single yellow lines and blocking half of the footpath.

In one picture, a white BMW is parked on the pavement at a bus stop.

A recently published report by the Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for pavement parking across the UK to be banned - a move Cllr Booth is backing.

Evesham Journal: It is not illegal to park on the pavements in Evesham.It is not illegal to park on the pavements in Evesham. (Image: Peter Stewart)

"It is a nuisance and is really annoying - motorists don't appreciate people," he said.

"Many people have to go on the road.

"If you have a two-seater pushchair, it is a real struggle, and you have to go in the road.

Evesham Journal: CHALLENGE: The cars are blocking part of the pavement.CHALLENGE: The cars are blocking part of the pavement. (Image: Peter Stewart)"They are taking life into their own hands."

He added that the worst affected road in the town is Port Street.

A Department for Transport consultation on allowing councils to prohibit pavement parking ended in November 2020, but no announcement has been made on the outcome.

A spokesperson said: "Everyone should be able to navigate their streets without obstacles, and while local authorities already have powers to prohibit pavement parking through local regulation, we have consulted on further helping them take action.

"The response to this will be published in due course."

Darren Rodwell, an LGA transport spokesperson, said: "If we are to meet the Government's ambition for half of all trips in England's towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030, then it makes sense to give councils across the country the same powers as in the capital (London), making our streets safer and footpaths open for everyone."

Cllr Booth also raised the matter at the last full town council meeting on February 12.