RESIDENTS of Okehampton are being asked to think carefully about where they park their cars after emergency services have struggled to gain quick access to several incidents.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been working in conjunction with Okehampton Town Council, Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to address the issue of cars obstructing access to housing estates and roads in the town.

A particular problem has proven to be 'double parking' where people are parking cars on both sides of the road, narrowing the access through those roads immensely.

It has caused problems for teams responding to several parts of town, including Northfield Road, Wadland Meadow, High Street, Moyses Meadow and Turpins Plot.

John Donovan, Devon and Somerset Fire Service's risk manager for the area, said: 'We need people to think about where they park a bit more carefully and make sure there is sufficient access for emergency vehicles like a fire engine, ambulance or police.

'During an emergency, every second counts. If we are delayed because we can't gain access to an incident, that is putting people in unnecessary danger.

'Ultimately, it could be the difference between life and death for those involved in an emergency.'

A leaflet drop has been carried out at particularly prob-lematic areas and all drivers are being asked to think carefully about where they park before leaving their car.