Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued an urgent appeal to residents to consider their parking habits after a crew’s attendance at a domestic emergency was significantly delayed due to vehicles parked along a narrow street.

The incident occurred on Saturday, 13 December, at 6.46 pm, when a fire crew was mobilised to reports of water affecting the electrical system of a property on Gittin Street, Oswestry.

While the crew successfully attended and made the premises safe, the response was hampered by the severely restricted width of the road, caused by double parking.

Crucial Minutes Lost

A spokesperson for the service confirmed the difficulties faced by the crew:

“Reaching the dwelling was difficult due to double parking along the road… The restricted width delayed the attendance of the appliance by restricting access into, and along, the road.”

The delay did not end upon arrival. Once the fire engine reached the location, the crew found they did not have sufficient space to open the vehicle’s lockers and access the necessary equipment within.

An Issue Across Shropshire

While the parked vehicles on Gittin Street were not in breach of the Road Traffic Regulation Act—as there are no double yellow lines—the incident highlights a growing problem in older parts of the county.

“Shropshire is an old county and roads were never designed to accommodate the number and size of vehicles we see today,” the spokesperson added. “We see the same issue on side streets everywhere.”

An Appeal to the Community

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service stressed the crucial link between quick access and saving lives, and issued a direct request to the public for their cooperation:

“Our response and the ability to access a scene fully and without delay is crucial… When parking your vehicle, please take extra time to consider whether your vehicle might obstruct any of the emergency services should an incident occur.”

The service acknowledged that parking close to a property is sometimes unavoidable, stating they understand the pressures of daily life: “We are parents, shoppers, and carers too.”

However, they emphasised that the obstruction is rarely deliberate, and a small amount of consideration can make a huge difference.

“In our experience, no-one parks their car in a deliberately obstructive manner. By taking time to park in a deliberately unobstructive manner, you will help us access emergencies quicker, and ultimately, save lives.”