A parent collecting his child from school put lives at risk this afternoon when he parked outside a Wiltshire fire station, severely delaying firefighters.
A fire engine left Cricklade Fire Station shortly before 3pm as it responded to an emergency call, only to discover its path outside the station, in Bath Road, was blocked by a car.
The driver illuminated the engine’s blue lights and activated its sirens in order to attract the attention of the owner of the illegally parked car. Despite their efforts, it took approximately eight minutes for the motorist to return to his vehicle.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Pete Price said: “Firstly, I would like to apologise to the parents/carers and children that had to endure the noise from our truck today. It always seems that those that park inconsiderately at the entrance to our station don’t want to agree with our issues.
“The photo clearly shows the truck and the car, and if you look on the pavement you can see a BT manhole cover that has a weight limit much lower than the weight of the truck.
“If we were to drive on that cover it would break and leave the truck in a hole. Pedestrians also deserve the right to be safe whilst walking past even if we are attending an emergency.
“If we hit the car we would damage the truck which may prevent us using it or accessing vital equipment inside the lockers.
“The driver of this vehicle took over 8 minutes to return today whilst we sat there with blue lights and sirens going continuously. This action was at the request of the police as we needed to prove that we have a very real problem.
“We are left with no choice but to report this driver for his parking, and his misuse of the disabled badge that he tried to claim was his right to obstruct an emergency service vehicle.
“Utterly disgraceful and we will not accept excuses from now on. We are pursuing prosecutions for all offenders.”
