A fire engine is pictured trying to pass parked vehicles in St Mary's Avenue, Bletchley. Click here to see the parking leaflet produced by the emergency services.

30 October 2009

Firefighters are asking residents to think about whether a fire engine would be able to get to their homes in an emergency.

A fire engine needs 10ft (3m) clearance to pass safely. Streets congested with parked cars can delay fire engines and other emergency service vehicles attending an incident.

Bryan Dugdale, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "We are urging residents to think about their parking as they could be putting the lives of their families, friends and neighbours at risk.

“Inconsiderate parking can mean the difference between the emergency services saving a life or not. Cars may be able to pass down streets which have restricted access due to double parking or incorrect parking, but fire engines and ambulances can’t."

Access can be especially difficult at weekends and in the evenings.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team, backed by Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, has produced a leaflet to help stations to tackle the problem.

Firefighters will attach leaflets, in clear plastic pouches, to any vehicles which cause them a problem.

Road safety manager Keith Wheeler said: “Many streets were not designed to accommodate the number of cars that residents want to park in them. This leaflet will help stations try to tackle the problem of inappropriate parking in their local streets.

“This will also support the work of many Neighbourhood Action Groups who have highlighted parking problems as an issue of local concern.”