CONSIDERATE parking can be the difference between life and death – that is the message to residents from Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership (WRSP) during a week-long campaign.
WRSP is reminding drivers to think before they park and leave enough room for emergency vehicles.
The partnership says obstructing roads and double parking could mean the difference between the emergency services saving a life or not.
A fire engine needs roughly three metres – around the width of two cars – to get through.
The campaign reminds motorists to park close to the kerb, fold in wing mirrors, park straight, straighten wheels, and avoid parking near junctions or bends.
The partnership is sharing social media posts throughout the week, and schools are being contacted to remind parents to think about where they are parking when on the school run.
Fire crews also carry ‘park it right’ leaflets to educate any inconsiderate motorists they come across, and Police Safer Neighbourhood teams are also promoting the message in communities.
Warwickshire County Council’s transport spokesman Coun Wallace Redford said: “We are reminding all when you park your cars to please consider who might need to get past in a hurry. Always leave room for emergency vehicles to get through and never park on the yellow markings outside our fire stations.”
Sally Bunyard-Spiers, Inspector for Rugby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The extra time taken to reach an incident can cost lives. We are asking that everyone thinks before they park, allowing emergency services to reach the residents of Warwickshire in the quickest time.”
Visit https://warksroadsafety.org for more information about the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership.
