FIRE SERVICE RELATED
Bad parking and bizarre driving
sparks fire service campaign
A new campaign has been launched as fire chiefs say the number of incidents in which motorists
hinder emergency service vehicles with erratic driving and poor parking is worse than ever before.
The I Need My Space campaign comes after an increasing number of drivers have delayed
fire engines getting to incidents. Motorists are putting lives at risk by blocking off roads and even
stopping on box junctions outside fire stations. However, it is not just parking that is the problem and
firefighters say some drivers are not sure what to do when they hear the sirens blaring. Some slam
their brakes on immediately and risk causing an accident while others try to tailgate behind the
vehicle which can cause a crash particularly if more than one engine has been deployed.
Assistant Chief Officer Andy Bowers said: “The issue of motorists blocking the paths of emergency
services vehicles is worse than ever before.
“Some drivers are parking opposite one another making an entire road inaccessible while others
are actually stopping by station exits, often in the hatched areas”,
“On the road we have to deal with motorists who are unsure what to do to allow emergency
vehicles to pass, and often slam on their brakes the minute they hear the siren, as well as people
who try and tailgate when we have gone past.
“Everyone should make sure that they know what to do for emergency vehicles, and ensure that
their actions do not slow our vehicles down.
“Please also remember that although you may only hear one siren, there may regularly be more
than one emergency vehicle responding.
CALM:
The golden rules are:
Don’t panic or speed up in an attempt to get out of the way. Don’t go through red
lights or veer into a bus lane as you will still be prosecuted. Do not attempt to outrun a fire engine.
You are not allowed to drive down the hard shoulder. You will still be breaking the law.
ALERT:
Turn distracting music down and check mirrors to help determine the direction and
number of emergency vehicles. Look for somewhere safe to pull in but avoid kerbs, pavements,
bends and junctions. Watch out for other motorists braking suddenly.
RESPONSE:
Indicate, check your mirror and move to the left when it is safe to do so. Wait
patiently to ensure all emergency vehicles have gone and then safely move back out into traffic.
The Highway Code rule 219 states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police,
doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing
headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.
20
When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate
action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs.
If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill,
a bend or narrow section of road.