Selfish parkers block fire crew

Firefighters are highlighting the need for drivers to park responsibly following concerns selfish motorists are blocking access for emergency vehicles.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Jul 2015, 18:48 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Poor parking in Westfield is preventing fire engines from getting through. Picture by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. SUS-150724-165247001Poor parking in Westfield is preventing fire engines from getting through. Picture by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. SUS-150724-165247001
Poor parking in Westfield is preventing fire engines from getting through. Picture by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. SUS-150724-165247001

Westfield residents contacted The Ridge Fire Station in Hastings to express concerns about irresponsible and illegal parking in the village.

They fear dodgy parking could prevent emergency vehicles reaching them in the event of a fire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A crew from Blue Watch at The Ridge drove one of the station’s fire engines to Westfield to check out the issue and took photographs of it trying to access some of the streets in the village.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Locality Manager Keith Morris said poorly parked vehicles could result in a tragedy if fire appliances aren’t able to get through.

He said:“We were contacted by some of the residents of Westfield who had concerns over the lack of access to some of the streets due to poor parking.

“Fire engines are classed as large goods vehicles and they need plenty of room to be able to drive down streets safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When we arrive at an incident, we also need room to access our safety equipment which is stored in both the sides and rear of the vehicle.

“Poorly parked vehicles could cause a delay in us being able to reach a fire which could ultimately result in tragedy.

“We are asking all residents to consider both themselves and others when they park their vehicles.

“Remember, you, your friends and family are irreplaceable so help us to help you, always park responsibly”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Drivers caught obstructing or hindering emergency vehicles could face a hefty fine under the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006.

If you believe someone is parking irresponsibly and preventing access for an emergency vehicle, contact Sussex Police on 101.

* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1 Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3 Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:WestfieldHastingsDriversTwitterFacebook