A MOTORIST potentially put lives at risk by blocking part of the exit used by vehicles leaving a Southampton fire station.

Firefighters based at St Mary's have posted an image of a car parked in front of the doors used by personnel on their way to an emergency.

The caption says: "Hopefully Father Christmas will deliver some glasses to the driver of this car tonight."

 

Cars blocking exits can delay or prevent firefighters from attending serious incidents.

It is thought to be a city-wide issue but the problem is particularly acute at St Mary's, possibly because it is opposite shops and other businesses.

In May two cars were parked on the yellow zig-zag lines outside the station in separate incidents just days apart.

Speaking at the time the station manager, Nev Lewendon, said the team was "acutely aware" of the difference a delay could mean to the safety of people in danger.

He told the Daily Echo: "The issue of motorists blocking the paths of emergency services vehicles is worse than ever before.

"It isn’t only drivers stopping by station exits and leaving their cars on our grounds, we are also impacted by cars parked opposite one another on certain roads, making those roads inaccessible."

Daily Echo: A previous incident outside St Mary's fire stationA previous incident outside St Mary's fire station (Image: Hampshire Roads Policing Unit)

Similar problems have been reported at other fire stations in the county, including Romsey.

According to the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 it is an offence, without reasonable excuse, to obstruct or hinder firefighters, ambulance workers and people responsible for transporting blood and organs.

Anyone found guilty of the offence can be handed an unlimited fine.

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