SPACED OUT

Edinburgh OAP shocked as disabled parking space for wife put 7ft from pavement in middle of 40mph road

A PENSIONER told of his disbelief after the disabled parking space he requested for his wife was put in the middle of a busy 40mph road.

Bob Cunningham, 73, revealed the bay for frail Pat, 73, has been installed 7ft from the pavement — on the other side of a new cycling lane.

The retired accountant now has to park the couple’s car on their steep driveway in Comiston, Edinburgh, to avoid cars and lorries whizzing past.

But the slope is a struggle for Parkinson’s sufferer Pat, who relies on sticks to walk.

Bob said of the parking spot: “It’s basically an island on the middle of the road. It feels very unsafe. If the cyclists don’t get you then the lorries will.

“Two weeks ago we could park outside the front door.
“Then the cycle lane and double yellow lines just appeared. There was no consultation. We’d asked for the space but not like this.”

Bob is demanding that Edinburgh Council move the space next to the pavement, leaving a break in the cycle lane.

He added: “My wife is in a terrible condition. She is a poor soul. She has to take 12 tablets a day. Now I have to park in the driveway which is on a slope so not good for Pat.

“I can reverse up the road which is more even but that’s not ideal either. I’ve spoken to the council who sent someone along to have a look.

“They suggested just parking along the cycle path. I need a better solution.”

The cycle lane was installed as part of a scheme to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to get around the city during the Covid pandemic.

The council’s transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “We have made every effort to maintain parking where possible. The width of the parking bay complies with guidance.

“However, we will consider any changes that may be required. We will also be liaising with residents to understand concerns around designs which we will look to address.”

douglas.walker@the-sun.co.uk