Bradford Bar Owner Highlights Customer Safety Risks Due to Illegal Pavement Parking

A Bradford bar owner has stated that motorists illegally parking on pavements are endangering customers’ safety. Keith Wildman, who operates The Record Café on North Parade, observed that vehicle drivers routinely mount the pavement at all hours, making these areas hazardous for pedestrians. Mr. Wildman advocated for the installation of bollards to prevent potential injuries. A spokesperson for Bradford Council reported that over the past year, 2,516 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued on North Parade for various infractions, including parking on yellow lines. The spokesperson also mentioned that the council is developing strategies to “deter pavement parking.” Mr. Wildman, who has managed his record shop, bar, and charcuterie for 10 years, commented: “Obviously there’s a safety concern because it is cars driving on the pavement. They are driving up to the door. “I don’t want to be walking out – customers walking out – and into somebody mounting the pavement.” He further added: “Not to mention the negative impact it has on the look of the place. Customers are laughing about it, going ‘oh yeah, Bradford parking’.”It just reinforces the negative stereotype, not to mention the constant hassle we have of going out and telling people, ‘you’re not parking here, you’re blocking’.” Mr. Wildman described instances where drivers parked so near his glass-fronted establishment that headlamps blinded customers seated inside. He stated: “I’ve had people parking, blocking across the front door; people parking up to the window with their lights on, shining in. Then I’m having to go out and say, ‘can you turn your lights off?’ Then I’m getting all the abuse.” In the previous year, Bradford Council finalized a £2 million redevelopment project encompassing North Parade, Rawson Square, and Northgate, as part of its Top of the Town initiative. This project involved installing natural stone paving, expanding pavements, and establishing a system of rain gardens to mitigate flood risks. Merchants had previously voiced worries regarding the reduction of on-street parking availability for both delivery personnel and patrons. In response, a Bradford Council spokesperson affirmed: “We are aware of the traders’ concerns about parking on North Parade and have been taking proactive enforcement action to tackle inconsiderate and illegal parking.“We have issued 2,516 penalty charge notices for a range of contraventions in the last year on North Parade, including parking on double yellow lines. “However, where a vehicle is visibly loading or unloading we are unable to issue PCNs.“We are also working with businesses to find solutions which deter pavement parking, protect the public realm and work for them and their customers.”