Are you a city, town or rural dweller? If you are a rural dweller you will be used to sharing the road with traffic, but those of you who are town or city dwellers will have very different expectations.

For instance, there are pavements in built-up areas that separate us from traffic. Or do they? Have a look around you. Are the pavements entirely free from obstructions? I doubt it or if they are at the moment they probably won’t be for long.

More than 12 years ago a poster, sponsored by Oxfordshire County Council, all five district councils and the police, clearly stated that “Pavements are for People – please don’t park on them even for a moment as it is an offence to obstruct a footpath.”

For those unable to read there were pictures that clearly illustrated the message, so there was no room for excuse.

Disability organisations used to put these on car windscreens to inform people of this; no hassle, no aggression, just a clear message.

However, along came rules on fly posting and what happened? No longer could these posters be used and now we see the result; pavements littered with cars.

Inconsiderate parking everywhere, as well as other obstructions, that can stop disabled people from accessing their environment.

It is unbelievable how quickly everyone seems to be adding to the difficulties that disabled people encounter.

People with visual impairments walk into unexpected obstructions while people with mobility difficulties try to skirt round them.

Actually, any vehicle parked on a pavement is breaking the law unless it is in a Controlled Parking Zone and even then there are restrictions on how much of the pavement can be obstructed. Recently, Norman Baker, Minister for Transport, said “most drivers are considerate but there is a selfish minority who do not use their common sense”.

To help the situation Mr Baker has given powers to councils to tackle this problem.

Will our county and district councils take heed of these powers and give due thought to the disabled constituents in Oxfordshire?

I am sure you all know what a dropped kerb is but did you know that it is a traffic offence to park over one?

Yes, even for Blue Badge holders and, of all people, these should really know better. Enclosed with every Blue Badge is a handbook spelling out the rules and on Page 22 it says: “When the kerb has been lowered or the road raised to help wheelchair users you may not park there as it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users”. Quite clear eh?

I do hope I am speaking to the converted and that you are not one of the sinners but, of course, if you are, I am sure you are not going to do it again...