I WAS not surprised to read about the difficulties caused by inconsiderate parking that sub-officer Tim Smith and other fire-fighters have experienced in getting to the fire station in an emergency.
So many drivers are brain-dead and arrogant when it comes to parking. It seems that they love their cars so much they must have them parked within a few metres of their destination. Or is it just laziness, not wanting to walk the last hundred metres.
Although this situation is very frustrating for the firemen, what is worse and more dangerous is the parking that virtually blocks some of our narrow Devon lanes. Do these drivers ever use their intelligence and think to themselves ?Can another vehicle, possibly an ambulance or fire engine, get past?? Do they consider the possible loss of life and devastation that could result if an emergency vehicle cannot get past their selfishly parked vehicle? The answer is no.
One particular bottleneck that I have to squeeze through on almost a daily basis en route from Yelverton to my home is outside the entrance to the Walkhampton Inn. I hastily say that this obstruction is not usually caused by customers using the inn. Every time I squeeze through that gap it worries me greatly that if there was a fire at my home or at any my neighbour?s, the fire engine would not be able to get through to us. It?s a very frightening thought.
Paul Phillips
Routrundle Farm
Walkhampton