Parking on the road may cause obstructions to emergency vehicles. But those of us who aren't responsible for pushing prams or wheelchairs may not realise the problems this can cause.

The issue sparked an argument at Birstall and Birkenshaw's last area committee meeting, where residents complained there was a problem. They said the police needed to start ticketing people who persistently parked on the pavement.

Insp Neil Money, from Batley Neighbourhood Policing Team, warned at a time when most families owned two or more cars, the initiative would mean 90 per cent of families would receive at least one ticket. But residents got their way, and for the last two weeks PCSOs Matthew Trapps and Shirley Aubrey have been patrolling the problem area to raise awareness of the issue.

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The original complaints had come from residents in Kingsley Crescent, Birkenshaw, where there are a lot of cars parked on the pavement throughout the day, but, as PCSO Aubrey demonstrated, a person in a wheelchair could comfortably make a passage through on the pavement.

She explained PCSOs had the power to ticket any car found to be blocking the pavement or the road, but they were yet to issue their first ticket. PCSO Trapps added: "Really the pavement is the highway as well, and as long as a vehicle is not blocking the pavement for prams and wheelchairs there is no obstruction.

"When we do find someone blocking the pavement, a lot of people don't understand, you just have to be diplomatic. We are not going to issue tickets to people without giving them a chance, this is about advising and educating."

Once a complaint about parking is received, PCSOs pay close attention to the area concerned while out on patrol, which makes up around 80 per cent of their shift. Letters are sent out in the neighbourhood and leaflets distributed on vehicles.

If a car blocks the pavement, officers knock on nearby doors and speak politely to vehicle owners. While we were out, five people were spoken to about the position of their cars on the pavement.

As well as Birkenshaw, the officers patrol around Howden Clough where school traffic can, at times, prevent buses getting through.

PCSO Trapps said Batley officers were also patrolling around Dewsbury and District Hospital where complaints were being made.