FIREFIGHTERS have urged drivers to 'think before they park' because bad parking can risk lives in an emergency when 'every second counts'.

Neighbours in Oakmont Drive off Newtown Road in Worcester revealed their fears that cars parked in the street would block fire crews from reaching them in the event of an emergency.

We reported yesterday how there had already been a head-on crash there in January with a child helped from the wreckage of one of the damaged cars by a resident. 

Worcester News: CRASH: A crash in Oakmont Drive in Worcester in January CRASH: A crash in Oakmont Drive in Worcester in January (Image: Supplied by Colin Jones)

Residents have blamed the incident, in part, on poor parking on the narrow road near a blind bend.

People who live on the new estate, built by Elan Homes, say parking problems have worsened since the opening of a new A&E at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester last October.

Oakmont Drive is opposite the new accident and emergency department.

One woman, battling cancer, could not get to a hospital appointment outside the city for chemotherapy.

Worcester News: NIGHTMARE: Fire crews may take longer to get to an emergency if cars are double parked NIGHTMARE: Fire crews may take longer to get to an emergency if cars are double parked (Image: Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service)

Some neighbours are concerned the narrowness of the unadopted road and the lack of double yellow lines or parking enforcement have caused the parking issues.

They fear this in turn may create issues for the emergency services, particularly larger fire engines, getting through to the estate.

Group commander Thom Morgan of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, speaking generally about the challenges faced by fire crews caused by parking, said: "We urge people to think before they park. Emergency vehicles need more space than an average car. Inconsiderate parking can obstruct emergency vehicles and cause delays.

"If you would struggle to fit a car or van through parked cars it is very unlikely a fire engine and other emergency access vehicles will get through.

RECOMMENDED READING: Worcester hospital parking making Oakmont Drive 'dangerous'

RECOMMENDED READING: Update on BMW driver involved in the fatal A44 by Worcester

“Please think about how and where you park. We know that some streets were not designed for the number of cars that residents wish to park in them but please bear in mind that a fire engine is 2.5m wide or around 1.5 car widths.

“Have you left enough space for a fire engine to get through because every second can count when someone needs our help?

“Bad parking can delay fire engines and emergency vehicles from reaching serious incidents in your area and could be putting the lives of your families, friends and neighbours at risk.

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