Firefighters ask drivers to heed warning lights - video (From Worcester News)

Firefighters ask drivers to heed warning lights - video

11:50am Tuesday 16th December 2008 in Video By Lucy Tatchell

FIREFIGHTERS are warning motorists to stop when red lights near their station flash.

The lights have been installed in Saltway, Droitwich, as part of a major overhaul of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s station.

When emergency vehicles leave the site, firefighters activate the lights which should stop the traffic in both directions and allow fire engines to turn quickly and freely into the road.

Watch manager Tim Harris said: “We have had some near misses on the bend and the lights should make it safer.

“But the first two times we tested them nobody stopped.”

The station in Friar Street is now home to a number of New Dimension vehicles.

They include an instant response unit and the urban search and rescue team, both created after the terrorist attacks on London’s underground in July 2005.

They are designed to respond to major terrorist attacks including collapsed buildings and biological threats, but the trucks are slower to accelerate from junctions.

“It has always been a problem with this bend with the visibility, but the slower vehicles are more of a hazard,” said Mr Harris.

There are road signs before the lights warning motorists about the new signals and the fire station. When activated the three lights flash amber before turning red and motorists must stop for them.

They last approximately 30 seconds, enough time for the trucks to turn into the road, then cars can carry on their journey. The lights will be used for all incidents from Friday.