Parking 'dangerously' leads to fire engine delays

Malmesbury's historic streets lack driveways, forcing many residents and visitors to park on the road

Local emergency services have called upon drivers to park more considerately in a Wiltshire town following an increase in delays faced by the fire service in responding to emergency incidents.

PC Kyle Lloyd said the local neighbourhood team had "received several reports of vehicles around Malmesbury parking dangerously on double yellow lines".

Few residents have driveways in the historic town, which has led to delays for emergency vehicles trying to force their way down narrow, parked up streets.

Wayne Presley, group manager with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said it remained a "common problem" and they expected it to get worse "during the holiday period."

Wayne Presley from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says he expects the problem to worsen over the busy holiday period

Mr Presley explained the problem had worsened over time, with many families now owning "two plus vehicles".

"It is an increasing problem, especially during evenings and weekends.

"Our smallest appliance needs a minimum of about 3m (about 10ft), or the width of two cars to pass safely.

"If we have an aerial ladder platform responding, these are a lot wider and longer. Poor or inconsiderate parking, even only for a few minutes, can delay us in that emergency response," he added.

PC Karl Lloyd says the police have raised awareness of the problem alongside their fire service colleagues

PC Lloyd said police were working with the other emergency services to improve accessibility.

"We've crewed up with our colleagues in the fire service and taken them down the concerned areas to see whether or not, if a fire happened down in these areas, would they actually be able to access the addresses," he added.

"We've done letter drops around the concerned areas inviting people to come along to a community consultation in the near future that I'll be holding to listen to people's concerns."

Fire service advice for parking

• Pull in wing mirrors

• Do not park too close to corners

• Ensure you have parked with your wheels straight

• Park as close to the kerb as possible

• Obey the road marking