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Introducing the Catclaw - a new device that has been created in an attempt to stop inconsiderate drivers parking on the pavements.

The Catclaw aims to puncture a car tyre by deploying a metal spike on the pavement whenever drivers mount the kerb.

Inventor Yannick Read, of the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) says that he will stop pavement parking for good and could even stop terror attacks.

The 47-year-old explained that thousands of Catclaws would be installed along the edge of pavements, puncturing the tyres of any vehicle that goes over it.

As reported by Bristol Live , Mr Read said: “We’re addressing road danger – there’s a real problem with drivers parking on the pavement or driving on the pavement because they can’t be bothered to wait.

“Last year 43 people were killed by cars as they walked on pavements.

“In one terrible incident a four-year-old girl using a scooter and a delivery driver crushed her to death in front of her mother – it’s an extreme example but it happens far more than it should. When you think you’re safe on the pavement you aren’t safe.”

(Image: Bristol Live)

Yannick added that the device has another use - to stop terror attacks like the one that took place at London Bridge last year.

The horrific event involved a terrorist driving down a pavement, mowing down pedestrians.

Yannick said that had Catclaws been installed, the tyres of the vehicle would have blown and slowed the vehicle down.

“You can’t reach high speed with tyres which are all blown out."

The inventor also explained how Catclaw could help solve another common problem of pavement parking that has been growing.

“The rise of internet shopping means we hear complaints from many people about delivery drivers – couriers and supermarket delivery vans – who would rather pull up onto the pavement to make deliveries than risk the anger of drivers stuck behind them.

“It’s a new explosion that has brought with it a whole new range of problems.

“Driving on pavements has become socially acceptable - people don’t think anything of it."

(Image: Bristol Live)

He says the response to his prototype has been generally positive and he challenges any nay-sayers.

“We’ve shown the principle works. It wouldn’t be appropriate to put them everywhere. I’d be interested to hear their objections.

"It’s illegal to drive on the pavement, there’s no excuse to do it. So if you’re not breaking the law your tyres are safe.

“Like I said, 43 people were killed last year and wheelchair users, people with push chairs and those who use mobility scooters will tell you, it’s an anti-social crime as well as a potentially fatal one.”