Call for better parking for emergency services in County Durham
Firefighters say inconsiderate parking is an increasing problem
Drivers are being urged not to park inconsiderately on County Durham's roads as it could lead to emergency service vehicles prevented from reaching people in a crisis.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and rescue say it's an increasing problem - with people parking all over roads - and not leaving room for fire engines to drive down.
Group Manager Graeme Carr tells us it can cause enormous problems:
"Particularly on narrow roads, it can take just one vehicle parked somewhere unexpected and that's enough to block our route.
"We never know where we'll need to go and so we're asking people that whether they are leaving their car in a busy residential street or in a narrow country lane, always ask themselves 'could a fire engine fit through this space?'"
Graeme continued:
"During Bank Holiday weekends we do see more cars being parked on roads with people visiting family and friends.
"Every second counts in an emergency so please help us to help members of the community and leave enough room for our fire engines to get through".