POOR street parking blocking access for emergency services has been called out as a potential threat to the safety of Thornbury residents.

Fire engines require three metres of space to get between parked cars and reach the emergency they have been called to, and have the right to force their way through if necessary, but this might not be as simple for the likes of ambulances.

Having seen plenty of examples where drivers have carelessly left their cars in convenient spots, meaning others are required to snake around the parked cars, Thornbury resident Iain Hamilton, who stood for the Green Party in the last two general elections, has called for residents to be more considerate.

“I know there are many reasons people like to park their vehicles close to their homes,” he said.

“But the amount of times I have walked into town and seen people parking wherever they like is terrible.

“And with more people moving to Thornbury, more young people living at home longer and more cars on the road, this is only going to get worse. Residents need to think about how they can find a solution.”

Mr Hamilton said that after raising the issue on social media, many people came forward to voice their concerns on the matter, claiming that parking along St David’s Road, Streamleaze, Avon Way and Bath Road are some of the worst in the town – “accidents waiting to happen”.

He added: “I have even seen people stop in the middle of the road to ‘pop in’ to someone’s house. That might only take a minute but it can hold other people up, and if those people are behind the wheel of an ambulance, that minute could cost someone their life.

“And if it isn’t an ambulance, but a fire engine, do you really want your car to be smashed into? Don’t put your car in potential danger.”

An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Fire engines are longer and wider than cars and need more room to turn corners. Vehicles parked too close to junctions can make it difficult for fire engines to make a turn so we’d always ask motorists to consider this when leaving their vehicle.

“If you are parking opposite another vehicle remember that a fire engine needs around two car widths to fit through, so drivers should park as close to the kerb as they can.

“We would always urge motorists to ensure they park legally and consider emergency service vehicle access at all times. It’s worth bearing in mind that it could be you or your family that we need to get to.”