Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is urging motorists to be considerate after significant problems were encountered over the weekend with parking in popular areas of the Lake District.
In some cases emergency services vehicles were impeded or would have been unable to access some locations if required, due to abandoned vehicles.
Craig Drinkald, Area Manager, Head of Community Safety, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we understand that people want to get out and enjoy our county’s beautiful scenery, it’s important everyone does so responsibly.
“We are asking people to ensure they park in a safe and considerate way that allows access for fire appliances and other emergency vehicles. If you can’t guarantee this then please find a safer alternative place to park or return at a different time.
“Fire engines are approximately 2.5 metres wide. Therefore if you’re parking your vehicle and don’t think a van could get through the space, it’s extremely unlikely that a fire engine will either. So please keep this in mind, especially on our narrow country lanes.
“Inconsiderate parking can cause unnecessary delays, and lost minutes really can mean the difference between life and death when we are responding to a serious incident. Every road user can help to avoid this by allowing enough room for us to pass.”
Top tips when parking:
- Don’t park too close to corners, fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn
- If you’re parking opposite another vehicle, remember that a fire engine needs around 3m, or two car widths, to pass safely
- Park as close to the kerb as you can
- Always follow the Highway Code and obey the road markings such as yellow lines and box junctions
- In narrow streets or country lanes, only park on one side of the road where possible
- Don’t block gateways or driveways
