Avon firefighters urge drivers to watch where they park this Christmas
They say weaving around cars is a "nightmare" for emergency service vehicles
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) have issued a warning ahead of the busy festive period, asking drivers to pay attention to where they leave their car.
It's following years of inconsiderate and dangerous parking across the area over Christmas.
With more people staying at home on the 25th, cars clog up the roads and make things difficult for emergency services.
Prevention Manager Nikki Rice said: “We all look forward to getting together with loved ones at Christmas time, but it’s really important to consider the consequences of inconsiderate parking.
“For example, if you get somewhere and can’t find somewhere to park, you might opt to leave your vehicle opposite another car, on a bend or on a ‘keep clear’ marking.
"This can seem like a harmless thing to do, but consider this, could a fire engine get through?”
Firefighters from Weston expressed particular concern, with crews from White Watch saying: “Our nightmare is not being able to get to an emergency via the fastest route, and when people park and cause an obstruction, we have to spend precious seconds trying to get through.
“Please do not park dangerously this Christmas and if you are hosting, think about where your visitors will park.”
Here is their advice:
- Consider if a fire engine could easily get through where you have parked
- Remember that fire engines need at least two cars width to get by.
- Parking safely can sometimes mean having to park further away from your destination