Unsuitable/ unsafe pavement width

Dear Highways Team,

I am writing to raise a safety concern regarding the pavement on Ellis Way, close to Bridgewater Drive in West Northamptonshire, which is used by many children and parents walking to and from the nearby school. I am puzzled as to how planning was ever granted for this.

The pavement in this location is extremely narrow (less than one metre wide in places). When vehicles park along this stretch of road, the remaining space is insufficient for pedestrians to pass safely. As a result, parents with pushchairs, children, and other pedestrians are frequently forced to step into the road to get around parked cars.

Given that this is part of a route used by children travelling to school, the situation creates a clear safety risk. It is also difficult for wheelchair users or pushchairs to use the pavement when vehicles obstruct the already limited width.

UK accessibility guidance such as “Inclusive Mobility” from the Department for Transport recommends significantly wider footways to allow pedestrians to pass safely. The current width, combined with obstructive parking, appears to fall well below these recommendations.

I would be grateful if the council could review this location and consider measures to improve pedestrian safety. Possible options might include: - Parking restrictions along the narrow pavement section - Bollards or other measures to prevent vehicles encroaching onto the pavement - A review of the walking route to school to ensure it is safe and accessible.

This is a route used daily by families and children, and improving safety here would make a significant difference to those walking to school.