Double Parking Causes Access Chaos For Emergency Services
Narrow streets and residents double parking has impact on emergency services' ability to access incidents
In the 2011 census, it stated there were 12 cars per 10 households in South Wales and this increase since 2001 has had an impact on the accessibility of some of the narrower South Wales streets for emergency services vehicles, especially the fire appliances of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS).
To raise awareness of the issue in areas such as Blaenavon, where there have been previous issues with appliances struggling to access streets and incidents, SWFRS alongside Gwent Police and Blaenavon Town Council, will be sharing information on how residents can park safely, as well as allow enough room for an emergency vehicle to pass.
Did you know that a fire appliance is 2.8m wide and 7.5m long? That is the equivalent of a HGV lorry trying to get passed. Station Commander for Blaenavon and Cwmbran, Tony Jackson said, "We work closely with partners and members of the public in our local communities to ensure that we all stay safe on our roads and this includes parking. However, with the number of cars on local streets, there have been access for our crews when attending incidents.
"If local residents could think about the room they leave when parking their vehicle, which includes parking on a bend or corner, it just means that this reduces the risk of damage to their vehicle due to emergency services having to squeeze through or that we are delayed in attending an emergency which puts lives at risk."