Bollards installed to stop drivers blocking defibrillator in Kenilworth town centre
By James Smith
25th Oct 2022 | Local News
Bollards have been installed along a Kenilworth road to ensure one of the town's defibrillators remains accessible at all times.
Police have been in an ongoing tussle with motorists parking on the pavement on Randall Road, despite the double yellow lines, and blocking the footpath.
Officers have even resorted to posting on social media shaming drivers who have blocked access to the defibrillator.
But now, thanks to intervention from town and county councillor Cllr Rik Spencer, the bollards have been put in place on both sides of the road as a long-term solution.
"Clearly, all motorists are aware that parking on a public foot and 'blocking' said footpath in such a way that pedestrians can't pass, is an offence," Cllr Spencer told Nub News.
"Not only is it antisocial, but it can endanger people's lives if it forces them into the carriageway in order to get past.
"Of significance however at this particular location, is the positioning of one of our towns publicly accessible defibrillators.
"Drivers parking on the footpath, next to the junction with Warwick Road is bad enough, but to also obstruct a defibrillator, beggars' belief."
After consulting with Warwickshire County Council's highways team it was agreed that installing a couple of bollards next to the defibrillator would just move the problem to the other side of the road and caused issues for pedestrians there.
So bollards needed to be installed on both sides.
Cllr Spencer added: "Clearly it was very important for us to ensure quick and easy access to the defibrillator while simultaneously enhancing pedestrian safety.
"While the bollards will stop vehicles from obstructing the footpath/defibrillator, it won't stop a minority of drivers from parking on the double yellow lines.
"Hence, I will be asking the civil enforcement team to keep a vigilant eye out for 'non' blue badge holders who park on double yellow lines across the town and especially near our schools as well.
"Drivers need to remember, double yellow lines are there for a reason, its 'dangerous' to park at these locations.
"Please use some common sense and park in locations you are allowed to. Let's make ever ones lives better and safer. It's not difficult to walk a short distance."
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