WILTSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service is asking people whether a fire engine would be able to get to their house in an emergency.

A fire engine needs clearance of 10ft (three metres) to pass safely, however congested streets with parked cars can delay fire engines and other emergency service vehicles attending an incident.

With more and more households having more than one car, the Service is becoming increasingly concerned that fire crews could be seriously delayed getting to an emergency incident because of inconsiderate parking.

Group Manager Dave Jacomb said: "Many streets were not designed to accommodate the number of cars that are now being parked in them.

“We are urging residents to think about their parking, as they could be putting the lives of their families, friends and neighbours at risk.

“There is an increasing number of homeowners who park their vehicles directly outside their properties without considering that access may be required for fire appliances in an emergency.

“This is particularly important in cul-de-sacs and Victorian streets that are narrow even without parked cars.”

Group Manager Jacomb said: “There are often incidents where crews are delayed because of inconsiderate parking.

“Sadly, it is only a matter of time before such a delay leads to a significant loss of property or even a life. Cars may be able to pass down streets which have restricted access due to double parking or incorrect parking, but fire engines and ambulances can’t.

“We would therefore urge everyone who parks on the roadside to help us to provide the prompt emergency response that is rightly expected of us."

The Service is now running ‘Mind The Gap’, an awareness campaign into the dangers of inappropriate parking, with fire crews carrying out leaflet drops in areas where problems are frequently reported.