Parking sensibly to help save lives

During the Christmas period Somerset Council are backing a call by emergency services by asking people to give plenty of thought to the needs of the emergency services when they park, remembering to ensure that much larger vehicles can get through, especially in narrow streets.

Most streets were not originally designed for the number of cars that residents wish or need to park in them, but during this time of festivities, when visiting friends and loved ones, please bear in mind that emergency vehicles such as fire engines, and ambulances may need unexpected access.

Bad parking can delay fire engines and emergency vehicles from reaching serious incidents in your area, and if this is the case, the lives of your families, friends and neighbours would be put at risk.

The way cars are parked could be the difference between the emergency services being able to save a life or not.

When parking, please consider the following:

• Park close to the kerb
• Park straight with wheels straight
• Fold in wing mirrors
• In narrow streets, only park on one side of the road (where possible)
• Obey the Highway Code and road markings such as yellow lines and box junctions
• Do not park too close to corners or traffic calming measures
• Leave extra room at tight junctions
• Remember every second counts when someone needs our help