A CAMPAIGN group has thought up a novel new way to stop drivers parking on Stroud's pavements - by offering an award to the 'biggest plonker'.

Members of the Pedestrians on Pavements campaign (POP) are inviting residents to take good-quality photos of vehicles parked on the town's pavements.

The photos will be exhibited and the public will be asked to vote on who should receive the 'biggest plonker' award.

"All the many hopefuls and runners up will be asked to 'POP off', as pavements really are only for pedestrians, buggies and wheelchairs," said David Michael, a member of POP, who lives in Uplands.

"The Highway Code specifically forbids pavement parking in London and advises against doing it elsewhere."

The POP campaign is asking Stroud District Council to ticket and remove offending vehicles and is asking Gloucestershire County Council to pass a by-law specifically forbidding pavement parking.

"We do know how easy it can be to be tempted to pavement park, especially if you are just 'popping in' somewhere," said Mr Michael.

"However it really does cause great problems and danger to many pedestrians, especially those in wheelchairs, the elderly, and anyone who does not feel safe going into the road and of course carers with buggies and children.

"Let us work together and make Stroud a pedestrian friendly town."

David told the SNJ that some 'independent people' have decided to glue ‘pavements are for pedestrian’ notices on windscreens but said the group does not condone this behaviour and prefers the more gentle approach of giving out 'plonker' awards.

Jim Daniels, GCC parking manager, said: “The county council could impose a Traffic Regulation Order preventing parking on pavements and this is something we could consider for areas where there is a real problem.

“However, it would be impossible to impose a blanket ban for the whole county as this would reduce parking spaces and make the lack of availability a very real issue.

“We know pavement parking can be a problem for some people and we would always look at each area individually to try to address the needs of both pedestrians and motorists.”

Mr Michael asks that high quality images of cars parked on pavements, with number plates showing, be sent to POP@gl5.net The next issue the group will be tackling is vehicles using the pedestrian zone in Stroud town centre.

* Will you be entering a car into the plonker awards? Comment here...