‘Badly parked cars could put lives at risk’ (From Echo)
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‘Badly parked cars could put lives at risk’
7:50am Thursday 18th March 2010 in Basildon
A FIRE chief has warned residents their double parking could cost lives.
Three crews were called to Cornwell Crescent, Stanford-le-Hope, after a blaze broke out in a shed.
When the first crew arrived from Orsett, it got stuck between two or three badly parked cars. This meant a second engine from Corringham got held up behind.
While the Corringham appliance was able to reverse and get to the fire by another route, the Orsett crew had to wait for residents to come out of their houses to move their cars.
Corringham’s station officer Geoff Wheal said not enough residents consider emergency vehicle access when parking.
He said: “We were delayed by a couple of minutes, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but every second counts. We would like to remind people when parking vehicles in residential streets that double parking can block the way for fire appliances to gain access to a fire.
“Minutes lost moving badly parked vehicles could cost lives.
“The next home we are delayed getting to could be yours.
“Always think ‘emergency vehicle access’ when you park.”
Tory councillor Danny Nicklen urged residents in Cornwell Crescent to consider emergency access when parking their cars.
He said: “The council understands there is a problem with parking here, and there is no quick fix.
“I would urge residents to be mindful of emergency vehicles and avoid double parking.”
Comments(3)
Colleen G
says...
6:15pm Thu 18 Mar 10
I fear that would be too much joined up thinking for the council.
evilc
says...
6:45pm Thu 18 Mar 10
We do not need yellow lines they do not help as the Council 'love em'
The Police have ample powers to deal with parked cars at night:
Unecessary Obstruction, Wilful Obstruction
At lights cars need lights on if the park on their offside, parked within 15 yds of a junction,parked on the footpath, parked on yellow lines however the Police rarely if ever use those powers.
St Helens Road Westcliff is a road where a disaster is overdue at night fire engines forget it you have no chance.
And when not if it does happen all the normal nob heads will be singing the same old song.
VANGE LES says...
2:17pm Thu 18 Mar 10
I used to be a delivery driver in the evenings, and I've seen cars double parked, parked on grass verges, cars totally blocking pavements, and also cars parked on street corners (which I'm sure must be illegal - as it totally obscures the necessary view)