A WORRIED daughter has raised concerns about inconsiderate parking in Whitecraig which is causing problems for her dad, who has mobility issues.

Jacqueline Stewart said that drivers were leaving vehicles at dropped kerbs and on pavements in the village, blocking access for people who use walking aids and mobility scooters.

She said that her dad, Andrew Ross, 63, who lives with her in Whitecraig, is reliant on a rollator and scooter when outdoors and a walking frame indoors for multiple health and mobility issues.

Jacqueline said: “He finds that he can’t access the lowered pavement on his scooter on the pavement across from Whitecraig Post Office.”

She added that her father had also encountered difficulties due to cars parked on the main road pavement across from the general store, adding: “He often has to avoid that area when out on his scooter or has to venture onto the road but he does feel vulnerable doing this.”

Jacqueline stressed that accessing the dropped kerbs and pavements were vital for her dad “to maintain a level of independence and social interaction” as he could not walk unaided.

Mr Ross usually tries to resolve the problem by appealing to the motorists directly, but his daughter said: “There are many who he cannot ask as they are not around when he is out on his scooter.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “At this moment in time, there is little that can be done unless the person is parked on a traffic/parking restriction, for example a double yellow line.

“Parking at dropped kerbs is not an offence.

“Although parking on a footpath is an offence, this is rarely pursued as the police have to witness the vehicle being driven onto the footpath.

“As a fixed penalty notice is served on the driver, it isn’t sufficient to solely see the vehicle.

“Under the Transport (Scotland) Act, provision has been made to tackle this problem by giving local authorities the power to deal with pavement parking and double parking, and discussions have been going on with Transport Scotland but these have halted during the Covid-19 pandemic.”