A SOUTHAMPTON MP is backing a campaign to help guide dogs by stopping cars parking on pavements.

Royston Smith is campaigning with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to make pathways safer for people who are partially sighted or blind.

The Southampton Itchen MP is now urging people to back the campaign.

He says he is desperate for people across the city who can’t see to feel more confident and independent when they go out.

Royston was given a star on the Guide Dog’s pavement parking Walk of Fame for his supportas well after he attended an event at the Houses of Parliament to publicly back the campaign.

The event, hosted by Lord Holmes of Richmond, was organised to highlight the problems faced daily by guide dog owners who are being forced to walk into the road to avoid cars blocking their path.

MPs heard from one guide dog owner who had even considered giving up his guide dog because of the constant obstructions he faced when out and about.

Pavement parking is already an offence in London but the rules in the rest of the country are complex and not as strict.

The campaign groups says this leaves drivers uncertain of where they can and cannot park.

Guide Dogs is now calling for the introduction of comprehensive laws across the UK, which will outlaw pavement parking but allow local councils to grant an exemption in areas where it is unavoidable.

Royston said he was delighted to back the campaign. Hhe said:: “I am pleased to be a part of the Guide Dog’s campaign to make our pavements safer for those who rely on guide dogs.

"Parking on pavements is a major issue in many areas of Southampton and I want to do all I can to support those who are blind or partially sighted.”

James White, campaigns manager for Guide Dogs, said: “Cars parked on pavements blight the lives of people living with sight loss and other vulnerable road users including wheelchair users and parents with buggies or prams.

“Imagine how frightening it must be to step out into a busy road when you can’t see on-coming traffic, or you have your young child with you.

"We want to stop people from being forced into the road and we call on all parties to support a new law on pavement parking.”