FIRE chiefs in Preston are warning motorists not to block the way of the emergency services as it could cost lives.

The warning comes after problems of fire engines being delayed was highlighted in the Citizen last week.

Fire fighters attending a blaze on the Brookfield estate were prevented from getting to it because parked cars were blocking the road.

Although no one was injured in this instance, they claim in other parts of the county, lives have been put at risk by thoughtless parking.

Now in a bid to prevent people blocking their routes, fire fighters have produced a leaflet, written in five different languages, highlighting the dangers.

Anyone found causing an obstruction will be left a copy of it on their car windscreen.

Station officer Jeff Holden said: "If we find a car obstructing our route we will leave a leaflet on the wind screen telling drivers why they should be more thoughtful." He added: "If people have to walk a bit further to prevent double parking, it would help the emergency services a great deal."

The message reads: "If the gap you leave is less than four adult paces (a fire engine width), it could cost a life!"

The fire services claim they don't want to do the job of traffic wardens or the police but they have to stop lives being put at risk.

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