VEHICLES parked on pavements could be towed away as police begin clamping down on inconsiderate drivers.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say the clampdown will help protect vulnerable pedestrians including wheelchair users, the blind, young children, prams and pushchairs.

Officers have been instructed to use their discretion when responding to reports of obstructed pavements, and to prioritise the safety of pedestrians.

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GMP said that vehicles parked on pavements pose a hazard to pedestrians and warned that motorists could be issued with a TOR (Traffic Offence Report) if their parking puts people at risk.

If a TOR is issued, police officers can order a recovery truck to tow the vehicle away immediately.

A GMP spokesman said: "When a TOR is issued and we have established the driver (the person who left the vehicle in the position where it caused the offence), then a conditional offer of fixed penalty is issued.

"For this type of offence the fixed penalty amount is £30.00 and there are no penalty points to the driver’s licence."

But there are other associated costs when a vehicle is towed away, including £150 for the recovery and £20 per day in storage charges.

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The spokesman added: "Traffic officers will always try to respond to residents' concerns (when resources are available) when a report is made via 101 or by using the online chat within the GMP website."

GMP are also reminding people that social media is not the place to report obstructed roads. Instead, concerned residents should call police on 101 (non-emergencies).

A Trafford Council spokesman said: "We have a responsibility to keep our roads and footpaths safe to use.

"Illegally parked vehicles cost thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving, grass verges and cause serious problems for residents living with a disability.

"Our pavements are provided for pedestrian use only and vehicles parked on pavements are a hazard to pedestrians.

"They can cause an obstruction which may result in them having to step off the pavement onto the highway thus putting themselves in danger.

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"They can also pose a hazard by restricting the width of the pavement making it difficult for someone with a pushchair of wheelchair to pass safely. Again, this person may have to step into the highway to avoid the obstruction.

"Vehicles can also cause damage by driving on and off the pavement, resulting in broken flags and paving."

But some motorists argue that sometimes there is no alternative due to narrow streets, road works and limited parking spaces.

Adam Bickford, a resident in Oldfield Road, Altrincham said: "I agree parking on pavements can be anti-social, but there are times when it's necessary to park slightly on the curb as not to block traffic and reduce risk of your vehicle being damaged."

GMP responded:"We know people pavement park, however it’s a pavement for the vulnerable and not to prevent cars getting damaged. If people are concerned then they should park elsewhere.”

Cllr Geraldine Coggins, leader of the Green Party Group for Altrincham, welcomed GMP's commitment to enforcement.

She said: “Pedestrians shouldn't be forced out onto the road to mix with traffic due to pavement parking. It is dangerous and someone could be hurt.

"People who use wheelchairs or double buggies need space to get through on the path easily and comfortably.

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"We need more consistent enforcement on this and we need to give people safe, pleasant options for travelling around the area.”

Since 2012, GMP have lost 24 per cent of their traffic officers due to budget cuts.

In 2010, there were 3,472 police officers patrolling the UK's roads. By 2017, the number of traffic officers had been reduced to 2,643.

If parked vehicles are obstructing pavements on yellow lines (single or double) or on roads where restriction are in place, people can contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 1212.