THE Mayor of Sunderland is asking motorists to have consideration for blind people and not park on pavements.

Councillor Ken Murray is backing an appeal by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for people to take into account the difficulties faced by the blind or partially-sighted.

This week, he joined guide dog owners Martin and Mavis Brennan to get an idea of the hazards they face on the city's streets.

He said drivers could do their bit by not parking on paths when they stop off at cash point machines or shops.

"This is an easy way in which we can all make a real difference to safety on the streets for guide dog owners and other visually impaired people in our community,'' he said.

Pavement parking ranks second in a top ten of obstacles faced by guide dog owners. In Sunderland, offenders will be targeted when new parking regulations are introduced.