A fire engine was stuck in Woking town centre for 20 minutes due to c__p parking on Friday evening (January 26).
Firefighting Oppos from Woking fire station were carrying out a routine local risk assessment when, turning from Broadway into Chertsey Road, its fire engine was unable to move because of a parked car.
Had the crew been on a shout, then the outcome may have been very different for anyone needing their help.
A post on the fire station’s Facebook page said: “Whether you are parking in the town or on the road outside your home/visiting friends or family, always leave enough room for an appliance to get through.
“It could be your home or business we are trying to get to.”
Members of the public had little sympathy for the owner of the vehicle, with many commenting on the fire station’s post saying they should have been fined or had their car towed.
Others described the driver as “inconsiderate” or “selfish”.
In an emergency, firefighters have the power to do anything they reasonably believe necessary to get to the incident, including moving vehicles without their owners’ consent.
This may, or may not, include the ‘ramming’ of vehicles, so next time you park like an idiot, be aware that you may come back to your vehicle only to find that it has been ‘redesigned’
The Highway Code also prohibits drivers from parking anywhere that would prevent access for the emergency services, or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking spaces.
For more emergency-services-related stories, including blogs from serving members of the emergency services from around the world, then subscribe to our fortnightly digital magazine, that is emailed straight to your inbox – CLICK HERE to find out more
