A disabled man has hit out at ‘inconsiderate’ parking which means he can’t be picked up from home.  

David Dowle of Sedgefield Close, Weymouth, has had to travel to the end of the adjacent Wardcliffe Road as the disability access minibus, which allows him to get out and about, has been unable to reach his address. 

“The minibus usually picks you up and takes you door to door but the drivers have had to call me and say they couldn’t get down. I’ve had to go in my electric wheelchair to the end of the road,” he said. 

On one occasion, the minibus attempted to drop Mr Dowle home but was unable to reach Sedgefield Close or even adjacent Wardcliffe Road, forcing him off the bus.

"Old Parish Lane was blocked by parked cars and works vans so I had to get off the minibus there to make my own way home in my wheelchair." 

“I’d like to warn people that they should be more considerate of where they park,” he said.

Mr Dowle said the vehicles involved were standard buses used by Dorset County Council as day centre transport. 

“These vehicles are the only means of transport for disabled groups to hire as they can take wheelchairs as well as ambulant people with disabilities,” he said. 

Dorset County Council network traffic manager Simon Gledhill said: “We are sorry to hear that the gentleman has experienced difficulties with inconsiderate parking. However, there are currently are no parking restrictions on Wardcliffe Road to enforce. We have not received any direct requests to look at this issue but if we did it is something our community highways team would explore to see if anything could be done.”

Mr Dowle also raised concerns about emergency vehicle access and the safety of residents. 

“I’m concerned if a fire engine needs to get down. The houses would burn down before they could move the vehicles. It could mean life or death for the sake of a little thoughtfulness,” Mr Dowle said.

Group manager of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Dave Jacomb said: “Many streets were not designed to accommodate the number of cars that are now being parked in them. We are urging residents to think about their parking, as they could be putting the lives of their families, friends and neighbours at risk.”

“There are often incidents where crews are delayed because of inconsiderate parking. Sadly, it is only a matter of time before such a delay leads to a significant loss of property or even a life.”