Drivers parked on double yellow traces cease firefighters attempting to get to blaze as hearth crews hit out at motorists who imagine ‘guidelines do not apply to them’
Firefighters reacted with outrage when inconsiderate drivers parked on double yellow lines stopped them getting to a fire.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Eastern Station needed police help when their engine could not get down the street due to illegally-parked cars on Saturday.
Police said the obstruction was caused by vehicles parked illegally on Taurus Close, Highfields, Leicester, during a large event at a venue in the area.
Despite the venue taking steps to manage traffic and parking, officers said these measures had failed.
Recovery services were called to the scene to remove the blocking vehicles – with one motorist having to pay a call-out charge despite returning just before their car was taken away.
Officers said several other drivers were spoken to about their parking when they returned.
Fortunately officers said the fire turned out not to be serious but valuable time had been lost in the response.
Fire crews were unable to respond to an emergency call after parked vehicles prevented them from reaching a fire. Left, image from previous incident
Crews said some motorists believed ‘rules don’t apply to them’ when it came to parking restrictions
Crews said some motorists believed ‘rules don’t apply to them’ when it came to parking restrictions.
The incident comes after Leicestershire firefighters expressed frustration in December over drivers parking in front of their station.
In January Leicestershire police and fire service launched a joint campaign to raise awareness about road safety in the community.
In a Facebook post the fire service said: ‘Narrow streets already make it challenging for our fire engines to manoeuvre but when cars are parked on corners or double yellow lines responding to emergencies becomes even harder.
‘By getting out into the community, we’re highlighting just how important it is to park considerately. Next time you park, ask yourself: Could a fire engine get through? Your choices could make all the difference in an emergency!’
