Firefighters put out plea to inconsiderate parkers all over Milton Keynes

A crew from Olney took the photograph yesterday (Monday) of their engine trying in vain to get through East Street, where cars were parked on either side of the narrow road.

A spokesman said: "Please be considerate if you have to park in the street. Always comply with any road markings, signs and restrictions"

He added: "Emergency service vehicles need a gap of three metres to get through, and can be delayed when they have to negotiate a route through the slalom course created by staggered parking on both sides of the road."

Bucks Fire and Rescue say this type of parking also makes life difficult for refuse and recycling vehicles and delivery vehicles.

"Delays can cost us vital seconds," said the spokesman. "In the worst-case scenario, it can add minutes to our response time. For example, we might have to park some distance away from a fire and connect extra lengths of hose reel in order to reach it."

He added: "Remember, it could be your home we are trying to get to."