TROWBRIDGE fire station has launched a campaign to make drivers more aware of their parking after a number of incidents where they haven’t been able to get to an emergency due to badly-parked cars.

A fire engine needs clearance of 10ft to pass safely but crews are increasingly facing challenges where they haven’t been able to pass due to streets being congested with parked cars.

The ‘Mind The Gap’ campaign hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of inappropriate parking, with fire crews carrying out leaflet drops in areas where problems are frequently reported.

Watch manager at Trowbridge Guy Tadman said as the issue is a daily occurrence. The crews often have to change their route to a scene to accommodate whether they will be able to get down a road or not.

He added: “Trowbridge is a big town and this is a busy fire station so we come across this problem a lot.

“It is inconsiderate parking which is the issue and the thing is, when you are stuck in a fire, every second counts and if people park inconsiderately or do not leave enough room for a fire engine to get through, then it takes more time to get our appliances in position and the personnel in the right place.

“All these delays mean that if we can’t pass, we can’t help save lives.”

The service are now appealing for people to park tightly to the kerb, leave enough space for a fire engine or an ambulance to pass, particularly near corners.

They have also said that drivers should observe double yellow lines which are often in place to ensure turning space for larger vehicles.

In Trowbridge, firefighters face particular problems around West Street, Newtown and other estates including Paxcroft and in some cases have had to carry appliances to the fire as cars have blocked the road.

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

“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.”